PCR May 2015

FOR THE UK’S PC & TECH COMMUNITY MAY 2015

NORTHAMBER – SHOWING OUR COMPETITORS THE BULLDOG-SPIRIT FOR OVER 34 YEARS

6 Ebuyer on song?

The etailer launches its own audio brand into rival retailers

19 Tesco interview We talk to the grocer’s computing buying manager Kasia Kowalska

40 DDR4 vs DDR3 PCR explores the current state of the RAM market

6 B MAY 2015 COMPUTER & IT RESELLERS z RETAILERS z SYSTEM BUILDERS z DISTRIBUTORS z VENDORS

WWW.PCR-ONLINE.BIZ

PILING ON THE POUNDS As average selling prices rise and PC sales dip, learn how to boost your business at Boot Camp THE FIRST quarter of 2015 was a tough challenge for many vendors, with demand falling and currency exchange rates fluctuating.

While average selling prices rose overall, IDC says manufacturers are now dropping prices of many premium PCs to better compete.

There’s further consolidation expected in the PC market, and Gartner predicts a bigger currency impact in Q2 (see page seven).

To help you beat the decline and generate more revenues, the 2015 PCR Boot Camp conference and expo kicks off on May 14th which

will be jam-packed full of useful talks and advice, with the latest products and services on display.

It’s free for retailers, resellers and system builders to attend – sign up at www.pcrbootcamp.com.

Read the PCR Boot Camp guide in full on page 21

21

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CONTENTS & COMMENT

Follow us @pcr_online

MEET THE TEAM

CONTENTS REGULARS

Dominic Sacco Editor

06 Analysis: Ebuyer audio 07 Analysis: Pricing problems

dsacco@nbmedia.com @Dom_Sacco

08 Analysis: AMD vs Nvidia 10 IT Channel Expert 12 Number Crunching

Laura Barnes Deputy Editor

14 Appointments

lbarnes@nbmedia.com

17 Opinion

@roradrum

FEATURES

Jade Burke Staff Writer

19 Tesco interview

jburke@nbmedia.com

21 PCR Boot Camp 2015

@JadeBurke77

conference schedule 22 PCR Boot Camp profiles: Phil Tottman Staff Writer

Microsoft

ptottman@nbmedia.com

23 Entatech

@phil_t707

24 AOC/Philips and PXS

COMMENT

Clash of the titans COMPETITION is hotting up across the channel, with price cuts and close rivals fiercely contesting one another.

Looking back on Q1 2015, PC vendors scrambled to sell off cut-price Bing notebook stock built up late last year, and while average selling prices rose overall, pricing pressure brought many premium SKUs into formerly mid-range pricing tiers, according to IDC. Vendors are also being hit hard by unfavourable currency exchange rates (see page seven), causing a decline in PC sales – and Gartner expects an even bigger currency impact in Q2.

This could lead to a price hike in the consumer PC sector, with vendors set to lower product specs to keep prices aggressive.

I’ve said before that competition is key to a healthy market, but of course there are times when rivalries can turn ugly. Just as PCR was going to press this issue, the European Commission opened an antitrust investigation into Google’s conduct regarding its Android OS, and allegations the search giant is “abusing” its dominant market position by favouring its own shopping comparison product over rival sites.

26 VIP and MAXfocus Andrew Wooden Publisher

30 M2m and Mentor

awooden@nbmedia.com @pcr_online

35 Caseking and Northamber 36 Ingram Micro, Stock In The Channel and CompTIA 38 Hannspree, Synology and

Jennie Lane Sales Manager

Nemesis

jlane@nbmedia.com

40 DDR3 vs DDR4 RAM

@jennielane1

43 Interview: Peak Development and Bitmore

Sarah Goldhawk Account Manager sgoldhawk@nbmedia.com @sarzgoldhawk

RETAIL 51 Google Store visit 53 Store of the Month

Elizabeth PArker Production Executive

54 PCR Retail Advisory Board

eparker@nbmedia.com

55 Counter Insurgent 55 Synaxon Member Profile 56 Mystery Shopper

Dan Bennett Designer dbennett@nbmedia.com

PRODUCTS 44 Audio gear and software 49 RAM

Editorial: 01992 535646 Advertising: 01992 535647 NewBay Media is a member of the Periodical Publishers Associations

“I’ve said before that competition is key to a healthy market, but of course there are times when rivalries can turn ugly.”

Incorporating

59 Recommended products

OUT OF OFFICE 65 Industry Tweets

Elsewhere, Ebuyer is still thinking about opening its first High Street stores, which will no doubt give Currys/PC World a bit of a headache. The etailer successfully trialled physical sales for the first time at the Gadget Show Live in April, so don’t be surprised if a big announcement is made in the next 12 months. Ebuyer is keeping its enemies close too – it’s started supplying the likes of Amazon with its own Sond audio products (see page six).

Meanwhile, old rivalries live on – AMD is expected to announce a fresh line-up of GPUs to rival Nvidia’s 970/980 and Titan X in the coming months, so keep an eye on the Computex trade show in Taiwan in early June (and the PCR website) for the latest developments in that hotly contested area.

It’s certainly a dog eat dog world out there, so make sure you get yourself down to the PCR Boot Camp conference and expo on May 14th at Whittlebury Hall – and learn how to beat your competition more effectively. Check out our full guide starting on page 21 to find out why you should be there.

66 The Last Word: Jon Atherton ISSN: 1742-8440 www.pcr-online.biz

Dominic Sacco, editor dsacco@nbmedia.com

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ANALYSIS

Is Ebuyer on song with its push into rival retailers?

As the tech etailer launches its own affordable speaker range and enters talks to supply other retailers including Amazon, Dominic Sacco asks MD Stuart Carlisle about its new strategy and when it could open its first stores…

Ebuyer trialled over-the-counter sales at the Gadget Show Live

AMBITIOUS online retailer Ebuyer.com has big plans in the audio category.

The company launched its own Sond Audio brand earlier this year and has started supplying the Bluetooth speakers to other retailers – including direct rivals such as etailer Amazon and potentially the likes of Argos.

But what is its ambition in this space and how could it affect the market?

“We’ve been very happy with the uptake of Sond Audio over the last few months. It has filled a hole in the market for affordable quality audio,” Ebuyer.com MD Stuart Carlisle tells PCR. “Sond Audio is currently stocked on Amazon at the moment but we are looking to other channels and are in early talk with a few retailers.

6 | PCR May 2015

We wanted to create a product that enables retailers to maximise their margin without having to sell budget or low-grade stock.

“I’m a bit of an audiophile, my background is in music production so I knew there would be a market for the higher quality audio tech if it could get to the retailers at the right price.”

While it’s not the first time Ebuyer has launched its own items (it has own-label cleaning products like screen wipes and air dusters), PCR understands some tech distributors who supply audio goods to UK retailers are upset over the move. With Ebuyer owning the Sond brand, it is theirs to do as they like, even if that means pushing it to other retailers and possibly taking up shelf

Ebuyer.com is pushing its Sond audio brand

“We are looking to other channels and are in early talks with a few retailers.”

Stuart Carlisle, Ebuyer.com

space that similar products may have filled from audio vendors already established within the market.

The Bluetooth Sond products – including the £39.99 on-ear foldable NFC headphones, £59.99 over-ear headphones, £49.98 portable NFC speaker, £69.99 Soundbar, £69.99 wooden speaker, £99.99 50w speaker and more – are available to purchase now on the Ebuyer. com website.

A selection was also on display at the Gadget Show Live consumer event in April, where visitors were able to purchase the products direct from Ebuyer’s stand.

This move marks the first time Ebuyer has sold goods physically over the counter – and could hint at the shape of things to come for the etailer

in the future. Carlisle revealed exclusively to PCR in early 2014 that Ebuyer was considering opening its first High Street stores, and the success of its trial at the Gadget Show Live could mean this may happen sooner rather than later.

“The Gadget Show Live was a great success, we had lots of customer interaction and feedback which is something we are always wanting to improve on,” Carlisle added.

“Customers at the Gadget Show Live were also pleased with the design and sound quality [of the Sond products] which is always what we strived for.

“It got pretty hectic over the weekend so it was a great trial for our payment system.

Product sales were also very high, which is always a bonus when an online retailer goes to a physical unit.

“We are still a long way from opening any stores, but for the time being everything is looking very positive and we will continue our trials and tests.”

Ebuyer had a host of vendor partners on its stand at the event, including Nvidia, Optoma, Asus, Acer, Seagate, Crucial and more. A couple of system builders also made an appearance on Ebuyer’s stand including YoYoTech and PC Specialist who were showing off their systems.

Time will tell if and when Ebuyer may open its own High Street stores in the future, but the message is clear. The etailer wants to grow further – and it is doing so on its own terms. Could it mean Dixons Carphone will have newfound competition on the High Street this time next year? Watch this space.

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ANALYSIS

Prickly PC prices Exchange rates are one of the biggest challenges the industry is facing at the moment, while a dip in PC sales and pricing pressures are making the market more competitive. Jade Burke delves a little deeper into these issues…

TRADE FACES RATE THREAT UK vendors and tech firms give PCR their thoughts on the challenges of exchange rates ”The frequent and rapid changes of exchange rates are a big challenge.

We need to find the best way to deal with this development in the marketplace.”

Paul Butler, regional sales director, AOC and Philips/MMD

WITH PC sales declining and the frequent change in exchange rates, PC vendors, resellers and distributors are preparing themselves for a tough 2015.

Due to these unfavourable currency rates, demand for PCs is constrained and sales are falling.

Analyst IDC reported a 6.7 per cent year-on-year decline in global PC shipments in Q1 2015 to 69 million units – the lowest recorded volume since Q1 2009.

With vendors focusing on depleting attractively priced Bing inventory built up during Q4 2014, difficult currency exchange rates and an increase in prices of components, this led to a rise in average selling prices for PCs across EMEA overall.

The rise came about as vendors attempted to offset the impact from euro/dollar exchange rate pressures.

And it’s not going to get any easier.

“We can expect a bigger currency impact in the second quarter of 2015, with professional PC prices expected to increase more than in the consumer PC market,” says Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner.

The news comes as tech giant Intel revealed an eight per cent drop in

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revenues in its desktop and mobile computing business to $7.4 billion in Q1 2015. CEO Brian Krzanich said this dip was due to a lower than expected demand for business desktop PCs. This drop in sales – 5.2 per cent in Q1 overall according to Gartner – is making the market more competitive.

“In the consumer market, manufacturers will lower the specifications of PCs to keep their prices competitive,” adds Atwal.

“We can expect a bigger currency impact in the Q2 2015, with professional PC prices set to increase.”

Ranjit Atwal, Gartner According to IDC, computer manufacturers are now also dropping prices of many premium PCs in a bid to grab greater marketshare.

Jay Chou, senior research analyst, worldwide PC trackers, at IDC, comments: “The market unfortunately remains heavily dependent on pricing being a major

driver, with entry SKU volume masking a still tenuous demand for higher priced systems that is needed to sustain a more diverse PC ecosystem.

Pricing pressure is bringing many premium SKUs into formerly midlevel pricing tiers. As more vendors find it increasingly difficult to compete, we can expect additional consolidation in the PC market.”

Some companies have maintained their market position, including Lenovo, which held on to the top spot during Q1 2015 with a 19.6 per cent share of the global PC market.

And there are positive signs for the future with Windows 10 approaching.

Rajani Singh, senior research analyst at IDC, explains: “Windows 10 should be a net positive as there is pent-up demand for replacements of older PCs.” However, it might not be plain sailing. VIP Computer’s director Rich Marsden says: “Windows 10 as a free upgrade will create another challenge. In a market that is always tough, the removal of this revenue stream will hit the industry hard.”

But let’s not forget: PC sales were resilient last year, and there is still time for a resurgence in 2015.

”One of the biggest challenges this year is volatile pricing in the channel due to exchange rates. This can make it really hard to forecast and deliver a stable pricing structure.”

Martin Kent, territory manager, Hannspree UK ”As well as grey market dumping, we have also seen huge challenges in currency fluctuations with both the US dollar going from nearly $1.70 to $1.46 to the pound. With the Euro going the opposite way, this can impact demand, specifically making many Euro-based suppliers competitive.”

Ged Mitchell, MD, M2m Limited ”One minute notebooks are down and tablets are growing, then smartphones grow and tablets are down and now notebook sales are picking up.”

Chris Connell, head of sales, B2C division, Ingram Micro ”The biggest challenge is the dollar rate pushing up the buying price, giving us and other companies a lower margin to work with.”

Steven Levitt, marketing specialist, Caseking

PCR May 2015 | 7

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ANALYSIS

Has AMD done enough to win the fight against Nvidia?

The firm is expected to reveal new GPUs, but system builders are unsure if it will be enough to take the top spot…

CHIP MAKERS Nvidia and AMD are preparing to do battle in the graphics card arena once again.

The industry is expecting AMD to reveal a new line of GPUs in the coming months – potentially Radeon 300 cards – to compete with the popular Nvidia GeForce 900 Series. These launched late last year and sold strongly, prompting the channel to drop the price of AMD’s R7 and R9 cards.

However, PCR understands there’s also more to come from Nvidia, with a potential announcement due at the Computex tech trade show on June 2nd to 6th.

Chillblast sales director Ben Miles tells PCR what he’d like to see from the new cards: “It definitely wasn’t enough for AMD to drop the pricing. AMD has been saying it’s changing from a modular GPU design to a monolithic design for the

The Nvidia GTX 980 and the AMD Radeon R9 295x2 have been doing battle recently

new range of cards. It’s an architectural departure and we’ll just have to see whether what they’ve done is enough to take the fight [to Nvidia].

“It’s fair to say on the performance standpoint they’re not that far off the pace, but their cards are very power hungry. So I think they’ve taken that architecture as far as they can, and just making ever larger

“AMD add value to their products but Nvidia customers are very loyal to the brand.”

Guv Khan, Eclipse Computers

more complex GPUs with extra modules on them is not going to win the fight against Nvidia at the moment.

“I think Nvidia has kind of done the hard work already and won’t need to bring out anything revolutionary. I think they will drop the price of the 980 to be more aggressive, maybe to £299, and will introduce a new top end SKU between the 980 and the

Titan, like a £450 Ti, which will effectively go up against the new AMD Radeon R9 390 or R10 390, or whatever AMD decides to call it.”

Guv Khan from Eclipse Computers added: “I think AMD has some great technology but I feel they’re struggling to drive that message to the end user.

When you compare features and benefits such as FreeSync, AMD do what they are good at and add value to their products. I find Nvidia customers are very loyal to the brand and this is where AMD struggle.

“Furthermore, with Intel ruling in the CPU sector, this also makes life difficult for AMD as a VGA provider. “[With regards to new GPUs] there are talks already about the next generation of AMD cards – and Computex would be a great event to announce these.”

SUPPORT THE CHANNEL’S RISING STARS THE NEXT generation of top tech industry executives will be recognised by a special PCR event in June – and now’s your chance to back them.

The final three winners will be announced at an informal PCR Rising Stars awards event on the evening of Thursday June 18th, starting at 6pm at London’s Sway Bar in Holborn.

This year’s 30 up and coming industry stars aged under 30 consist of retail buyers, account managers, marketing executives and more, as announced in PCR’s February issue earlier this year. Three will be awarded, one in each of the following three categories: Retail &

8 | PCR May 2015

Distribution, Vendors (Hardware, Software & Components) and PR, Marketing & Research.

And there are several opportunities to support the industry’s most promising youngsters. We will contact each of the rising stars’ bosses to get a testimonial/ reference, and this information will be passed on to the judging panel made up of leading recruitment specialists and HR executives.

The PCR Rising Stars awards will take part during London Technology Week, a week of events celebrating London’s global position as a hotbed of tech innovation, business successes,

entrepreneurship and creative talent.

There are also event partner packages available, which come with tickets to the evening, event branding and editorial coverage which includes the opportunity to write a blog piece to be published on PCR online.

Tickets are priced at just £35 and can be purchased from this website: http:// intent-events.com/events/ event_details/63 A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Jennie Lane via jlane@nbmedia.com to find out more.

For all other enquiries contact Andrew Wooden on awooden@nbmedia.com.

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ANALYSIS

Introducing

IT Channel Expert Laura Barnes reveals everything you need to know about PCR’s brand new online sister publication IT Channel Expert, which offers a diverse assortment of resources, white papers and fresh opinion to value-added resellers…

WE HAVE always covered the reseller market on PCR, but over the years we’ve found that this segment of the IT industry is so vast and everexpanding that it was crying out for a dedicated publication all of its own.

While PCR has always been, and will continue to be, the ideal place to read reseller news, interviews and features, IT Channel Expert will act as a portal for the latest resources and opinions from the industry.

Our vision for IT Channel Expert is to bring you a vast library of white papers, case studies, research reports, opinions and advice relevant to your business.

“IT Channel Expert aims to provide you with the resources you need to nail that deal.”

Laura Barnes, IT Channel Expert Whether you’re looking for information about the latest enterprise security software, wanting some advice on how to better manage your employees or wondering what the current trends in the industry are, there’ll be something for you.

Not only will the site provide you with tips, advice and thought pieces from fellow resellers and businesses, IT Channel Expert will also bring you interesting reports and surveys from global market research firms, as well as product information and case studies from the vendors that you work with, are considering working with, or may be introduced to you for the very first time.

Ultimately, IT Channel Expert

10 | PCR May 2015

aims to provide you with all of the resources you need to nail that deal, prepare that allimportant meeting, or refine that business strategy.

GET INVOLVED The great thing about IT Channel Expert is that we are giving companies and industry figures a voice. Covering subjects ranging from the cloud, security and people management to remote working, network installation and business strategy means there’s a lot to talk about.

If your company has a white paper, or you’re an industry figure that wants to offer your opinion or advice on a particular subject, please send me an email at lbarnes@ nbmedia.com.

KEEP UP TO DATE Registering is completely free and not only gives you the ability to download all white papers, case studies and reports so you can have your preferred resources to hand whenever you need them, but also ensures you receive the latest IT Channel Expert content straight to your inbox.

Take a look around at www. itchannelexpert.com

KEY INFO Registration: www.itchannelexpert.com/ registration Content submission: Laura Barnes lbarnes@nbmedia.com Advertising enquiries: Jennie Lane jlane@nbmedia.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/ itchannelexpert Facebook: www.facebook.com/ itchannelexpert

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STATS

Number

crunching 4.7m

A round-up of the most important stats and facts in the tech channel‌

The number of active Bitcoin users worldwide will reach 4.7 million by the end of 2019.

(Juniper Research)

88% 88 per cent of retailers are on a social network, yet only 43 per cent successfully respond to a tweet.

(Eptica)

1 in 20 TWO THIRDS More than two thirds (67 per cent) of organisations admit that unauthorised cloud applications are being implemented without their knowledge.

(Centrify)

â‚Ź2.6bn The home automation market will be worth 2.6 billion Euros in 2017 and will cover 30 million homes.

(Berg Insight)

One in 20 consumers have lost their smartphone or tablet as a result of carelessness or theft.

(Kaspersky)

12 | PCR May 2015

79% By the end of 2019, 79 per cent of UK households will have signed up to a multiplay service bundle of telecom services.

(CCS Insight)

51m 51 million wearables will be bought globally in 2015.

(GfK)

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RECRUITMENT

CompTIA gains new UK channel director

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF…

Microsoft bolsters online EMEA team z Distributor Hama reveals new country manager z Lenovo announces two new appointments…

COMPTIA: The IT industry association has announced that ESTELLE JOHANNES has joined the company as its new UK channel community director.

She brings eight years of UK IT channel experience to the new role after previously working at Baptie & Company as the firm’s online community manager.

HAMA: The distributor has revealed that PAUL IRISH will now head up Hama’s UK operations as he takes on the role of country manager.

Irish was the MD for tech accessories supplier Vivanco, and will be replacing Hama’s MD NICK GREY and sales director JOHN GOODWIN. PETER VAN DER BOSSCHE, director and co-

MICROSOFT: The company has expanded its online team with the addition of CHRISTOPHER FRANCIS as the new EMEA head of device business for Microsoft Online.

He will be heading up all aspects around Microsoft’s devices on the planning and marketing side.

Francis said: “My role as EMEA head of device for LENOVO: Lenovo has bolstered its senior management team with a new hire and a promotion.

ERIC CADOR has been hired as Lenovo’s senior VP and president of EMEA. He previously led HP’s PC business across EMEA. Additionally, AYMAR DE LENCQUESAING has been named president of Lenovo

New BIGGuEeR ven

Estelle Johannes

Johannes plans on building CompTIA’s existing UK channel membership, as well as extending its profile into Central and Northern Europe.

Johannes said: “Through new ways of engagement, like social media and e-books, I hope to bring new ways of learning to the community and take the way we share information to the next level.”

Paul Irish

founder of Hama Belgium and current VP of finance and operations in France, Belgium, Netherlands and the UK, said: “We are really looking forward to working together with Paul.

“It will be interesting to combine his unique skills set with those currently existing in our group. I’m convinced this is a major leap in the development of our company.”

Christopher Francis

Microsoft Online will focus predominantly on the strategy, the planning and then driving the demand with a marketing strategy.”

Francis previously held roles within eBay where he headed up the electronics business unit. He also worked at Dixons Retail as senior category manager for UK and international buying.

Aymar de Lencquesaing (left) and Eric Cador (right)

North America after joining the company in 2013.

Lencquesaing was also the CEO of HP, while his 30-year career has spanned several global leadership roles.

GIANFRANCO LANCI, president and COO for Lenovo Group, said: “We are proud to have the most diverse and talented leadership team in our industry.”

THURSDAY MAY 14TH 2015 WHITTLEBURY HALL, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

DEALERS ATTEND FOR FREE

ANTHONY TRIPYEAR, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, NORTHERN EUROPE, STARTECH.COM TO GET the clichés out of the way early, one of the few constants in my working life is variation. Although my office is based at my home in London, I am part of a global organisation that spans many time zones. As such, I make a conscious effort to meet and interact with as many people as I can to maintain a ‘feel first’ hand for what is happening with our customers and within the business.

At StarTech.com, customer focus is at the heart of everything we do and informs our activity on a day-to-day basis. For that reason, I dedicate a great deal of time to speaking with customers.

However, the days that I do spend in the office tend to begin early at around 5am. StarTech.com has recently

“I’ve been found at my local golf course, practicing for an hour as the sun rises in a vain effort to get myself into shape.” continued its international expansion in Japan and Australia, and I like to catch the news from those regions and the tail end of their day before the working day begins here in the UK. I also like to get out and organize my thoughts before the day begins and, recently, this has meant that I’ve been found during this time at my local golf course, practicing for an hour as the sun rises in a vain effort to get myself into shape for competition season!

A few fortifying cups of coffee later and I will be at my desk, refreshed and fully available by 7am. Whenever I can, I like to divide my day into blocks of focus, using the mornings for those projects that require clear concentration and thinking, having caught up with my European teams early on.

Lunchtime will see my colleagues at our Canadian HQ in the ‘other’ London (Ontario) start their day, and I will always spend some time with them in one-onone meetings.

As the day draws to a close, I will usually ask myself where the time has gone. I’m incredibly fortunate in that I’m privileged to work in a magnificent industry with wonderfully talented people as part of an amazing organisation, and as we all know; if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.

REGISTER NOW AT pcrbootcamp.com FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES email jlane@nbmedia.com or sgoldhawk@nbmedia.com or phone 01992

535647

OPINION

Linux versus Windows Brigantia’s founder and director Iain Shaw believes there are other alternatives to Windows, but customers need to gain more knowledge and awareness about these options… different kinds of operating systems THE QUESTION really is: what do available yet. most people want from their next Linux Mint Mate, which was computer? The answer usually is developed about three years ago, is that they want a faster version of an operating system that I think of everything that they already have, as a very sensible choice. presented in a way that they For example, it is easy to use, it understand, plus with some extra behaves in a way that people who new bits of plastic and an even are used to using Windows 7 or XP bigger monitor. can easily adjust to, and it is a solid Will upgrading to Windows 10 choice for most users. provide this?

Robolinux, another operating I don’t think so; I believe it will system from Linux, is the one I think provide a lot of frustration and users should be watching at the confusion for your average moment though. computer user as almost everything Users can even is accessed in a import their old different way from Windows programs Windows 7. and data directly into Some of those so they lose who upgraded to “Some users who itabsolutely nothing.

Windows 8 are still The Gnome in meltdown mode upgraded to desktop version can and have Windows 8 are also be made to look developed a deep still in meltdown stunning too, so users resentment for shouldn’t think that using their PCs. mode and have choosing Linux will Mostly these developed a deep make things ugly or users are too early clunky, as this is not in the refresh cycle resentment for the case. to be considering their PCs.” In conclusion, changing to Iain Shaw, Windows adding a Windows 10 and Brigantia Start button, which even when they are the company axed faced with the free two years ago, and multiple upgrade option, they may be thinking; “better the devil you know”. desktops (a long established Linux feature) will not make the transition The sensible thing may be to look and subsequent day-to-day usage at the operating system Linux. much less frustrating than the The operating system is fast, it is Windows 8 experience. also free, but most of all the However, one of the main application software is free. downsides about the Linux Linux doesn’t get viruses, user operating system is that by being control can be locked down, plus it’s free, this means that there is no reliable and is secure. huge marketing budget to get the The list goes on and on, and we haven’t even looked at the variety of message out.

Iain Shaw is the founder and director of Brigantia. www.brigantia.com

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Audio market ups and downs The audio sector is a fast-changing area according to GfK’s business group director for consumer electronics Nigel Catlow. Here he rounds up some of the market’s highs and lows…

On the positive side the wireless THE AUDIO sector is a mixed bag at sector has grown by close to 40 per present, with some sectors showing spectacular growth whilst others head cent. It has hit an annual value of more than £100 million for the first in the opposite direction. time and forms the majority of the Leaving aside the revival of category. More than two-thirds of this premium turntables and vinyl, the docking category value is made up by strongest growth area is reserved for Bluetooth technology. sectors that are most impacted by In terms of models, the top ten are newer technologies, especially dominated by some strongly branded wireless technology. products which ignore the traditional Multi-room audio systems and consumer electronics/IT love of model soundbars are two of the many numbers but opt for names instead. growth areas both driven by wireless The largest single audio market technology. Whilst their growth is in contrast to decline in traditional audio now is the headphone sector with a consumer market value in excess of systems and home theatre, the net £230 million. effect taking all audio systems and all Black Friday and the home theatre/ days surrounding it soundbars into have been extremely account is positive.

On the face of it, a “Black Friday has influential in the past, with the sales value of six per cent value been extremely products including decline for docking microphones up 75 mini speakers in the influential in per cent in November latest quarter seems recent months.” compared to disappointing, but Nigel Catlow, November 2013. here the effect is the GfK However, the trend to same as audio models with a systems, in that microphone is an traditional cradle ongoing one. docking speakers are February comparisons show non-mic in decline whilst Bluetooth speakers models are down by 12 per cent in are in growth. value, whilst models with a mic are up Back in 2012, cradle docking by 38 per cent compared to the speakers made up 79 per cent of the previous February. market volume. In February 2015 Within form factors, the market is data, this figure had shrunk to just 11 split roughly equally in value between per cent. On an annual level the value of the total docking and mini speakers wired in ear and wired headband: both had just over 40 per cent of category has grown to just over £140 market value in February 2015. million in consumer value.

The bulk of the remainder of the This total figure hides a number of market is made up of Bluetooth contrasts, for example the nonheadphones, which is a fast growing docking part has fallen by almost a sector with now over a tenth of fifth, whilst the cradle-dock-only market value. sector has more than halved.

Nigel Catlow is the business group director for consumer electronics at analyst GfK. www.gfk.com

PCR May 2015 | 17

THE BIG INTERVIEW

Tesco eyes growth in desktops After the release of its Hudl2 last year, Tesco’s tech sales have continued to boom.

Now laptops are becoming just as popular and there’s growth in desktops too, as Kasia Kowalska, buying manager for computing at Tesco, tells Jade Burke…

The Hudl2 launched last year and has since seen many positive reviews

H

ow have the PC and tech categories fared for Tesco?

In terms of the computing category, 2014 was a year of renewed focus and energy to ensure we have had the right customer proposition in our stores and online. We invested in sustainable working relationships with the right mix of brands. We have seen phenomenal growth in laptops, printers and software sales and delivered strong numbers on tablets and e-readers despite significant year-on-year declines in those markets.

Where does Tesco see itself in the PC category today?

We see ourselves as an even bigger and more convenient retailer for the PC and tech www.pcr-online.biz

category because of our store footprint and our click and collect offer. We have leapt forward in the last year and are committed to grow in the current year and beyond.

Laptop sales were up this year, with analysts such as Context reporting that PC sales have increased by 19 per cent this January in the UK. Have you seen happen this at Tesco?

We certainly have. Laptop category performance throughout 2014 has been really strong – we more than doubled our share in the market.

We have seen this strong performance extend into January 2015, which bodes really well for our plans to grow this year.

“We see ourselves as an even bigger and more convenient retailer for the PC and tech category.”

Kasia Kowalska, Tesco

How has the Hudl tablet been selling?

I can’t talk too much in detail about the Hudl, however, I can share that customers responded phenomenally well to the Hudl1 and subsequently to the Hudl2.

We have all seen incredibly enthusiastic reviews from technology experts following the launch of the Hudl2.

Do you have any plans to up your focus in the desktop computer space?

From relatively small base we have seen good year-on-year uplifts in desktop PC sales. We plan to continue our growth in this area.

Do you offer free Wi-Fi across all you stores?

We do offer free Wi-Fi access

for our customers in all of our stores. It is an important part of the service for us. Many customers now expect free Wi-Fi access as part of their shopping experience.

How do you expect the tech retail market to evolve over the next 12 months? Will you be looking at stocking any wearables in the future?

There is a lot of excitement from hardware and software manufacturers around wearable technology and home automation, which has been and will continue to be strongly reflected at industry events this year. We are seeing stronger designs, improved functionality and better route to market campaigns. So the answer is, yes of course.

PCR May 2015 | 19

In association with

Boost your business at Boot Camp Retailers, resellers and system builders are invited once again to PCR’s annual Boot Camp, this year at Whittlebury Hall, where delegates can check out the latest products, services, and get crucial advice at the morning conference…

ITINERARY 10.00am – 10.30am: Registration and coffee 10.30am – 13.00pm: Conference

13.00pm – 14.00pm: Buffet lunch 13.00pm – 18.00pm: Expo 18.00pm – Late: After party

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 10.30am – Introduction, Dominic Sacco, Editor, PCR Dominic Sacco will open the conference and introduce the speakers and sessions ahead.

10.35am – Welcome, Nicola Young, OEM Distribution and Reseller Senior Sales Manager, Microsoft Microsoft’s OEM channel sales lead will deliver a welcome speech and discuss some of the pressing issues in the UK channel.

10.45pm – The Future of Computing, Matt Birch, UK and Ireland Channel Sales Manager, Intel Matt Birch will take to the stage at PCR Boot Camp to discuss where the wider technology world is headed, examine what Moore’s Law has to say about our current trajectory, and examine the continued reports of the death of the PC.

www.pcr-online.biz

11.00am – Wearables, smart home, IoT, and the good old fashioned IT market, Ranjiv Dale, UK Technology Group Lead, GfK, Megan Moore, Business Group Director, GfK Ranjiv Dale and Megan Moore deliver vital sales statistics to help you understand which markets are on the rise and which are in decline. As well as analysing the current state of the IT market and what direction it is going, they will pick apart the figures for more emerging sectors like wearables, the smart home and the internet of things.

11:20am – Panel session: Have you been selling tablets wrong?

Chair: Adam Simon, Global Managing Director – Retail Business Development, Context There is an array of sectors and audiences you could be selling tablets to, even if you haven’t done that traditionally – including engineers, warehouses, salespeople, restaurants and schools. Our expert panel discusses the latest developments in tablet technology and where the opportunities lie.

11.45am – Are you on board with the 21st century workplace? Steven Hastings, IT Distribution Channel Director, Ricoh Steven Hastings gives a breakdown of cutting edge trends.

12.00pm – Panel session: Forget everything you thought you knew about being a PC dealer, Chair: Dom Sacco, Editor, PCR From repairing mobile phones, laptops, or even hair straighteners, to diving into the big world of managed services, PC dealers need to stay nimble and adaptive in the changing tech market.

A line up of IT resellers and retailers discuss how they have moved into new markets to help boost revenues.

12.25pm – Across the channel: What you can learn from Europe, Tony Male, Deutsche Messe UK Tony Male will speak about the biggest trends to come out of CeBIT in Germany, the leading show for digitisation, and discuss differences in the UK and European tech industries.

N

ow in its fifth year, Boot Camp has moved to a new venue at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire, boasting bigger exhibiting floors and more facilities for dealers, including free onsite parking and reduced accommodation rates.

Boot Camp continues to offer exhibitors the chance to showcase their latest products and services to over 250 resellers, retailers and system builders from the channel, who can attend the event for free.

“Boot Camp has moved to Whittlebury Hall, boasting bigger exhibiting floors and more facilities for dealers.”

Taking place on Thursday May 14th, attendees will take part in the usual mix of activities, including a conference, which starts at 10.30am.

This will then be followed by the expo, where dealers will be able to showcase their services.

Delegates will also get the chance to move freely from room to room to check out what’s on offer, whilst also getting the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals from the industry during the after party. Plus, every dealer will leave with a free gift bag and a Philips Bluetooth Boombox. www.pcrbootcamp.com PCR May 2015 | 21

In association with

GET $100 AZURE CREDIT WITH MICROSOFT As headline partner for Boot Camp, Microsoft will be holding training sessions around its modern server platform this year, while attendees can get their hands on some extra Azure credit and check out the latest devices…

Microsoft returns to Boot Camp, having exhibited at previous shows including the 2013 event (pictured)

M

ICROSOFT returns to PCR Boot Camp once again this year, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the event as headline partner.

Thanks to the new venue (Whittlebury Hall), Microsoft will have its own separate room where delegates will be able to stop by to have a look at what’s on offer. For example, in previous years the tech giant has showcased Office 365, as well as holding breakout sessions to educate customers on how to use the software.

It’s been a busy year so far for the company, with the addition of new products including the Surface 3, and with the upcoming end of

22 | PCR May 2015

“PCR Boot Camp is a great opportunity for us to meet resellers face-to-face.”

Microsoft

support for Windows Server 2003, a visit to Microsoft’s stand will be vital for Boot Camp delegates.

Microsoft is urging customers to begin migration from Windows Server 2003 (the server’s end of support date is July 14th), and upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2 and Microsoft Azure, making it a key focal point for the company at Boot Camp.

Microsoft will also be holding training sessions around its modern server platform at Boot Camp.

Those who choose to attend the 45-minute session will receive $100 in credit for the firm’s cloud computing platform Azure. A spokesperson from Microsoft

says: “Microsoft will be hosting regular training sessions around the modern server platform with a particular focus around the Hybrid solution. We will offer four repeated training slots (around 45 minutes in length).

Attendees of the training session will receive $100 of Azure credit to trial themselves.

“Readying a company’s apps and data for migration from Windows Server 2003 can take a substantial amount of time. Customers have great migration options, including the new Windows Server, Microsoft Azure, hosting partners and Office 365.”

Nicola Young, Microsoft’s OEM channel sales lead, will also be presenting to retailers,

resellers and system builders on the day during the morning conference session.

Previously, Young also took to the stage at PCR Boot Camp North last year, where she spoke about the critical role partners play in delivering Microsoft’s technology strategy.

The Microsoft spokesperson adds: “PCR Boot Camp is a great opportunity for us to meet resellers face-to-face and is a chance for them to learn more about our newer products and trial them.”

Make sure you don’t miss out on Microsoft’s varied selection of products that will be on show this year. www.microsoft.com

www.pcr-online.biz

In association with

ENTA TO SHOW OFF MAD CATZ, MICROSOFT AND MORE With the distributor’s 25th anniversary approaching this year, Entatech’s marketing executive Suzanne McNicholas is looking forward to celebrating its success and networking with members of the industry at PCR Boot Camp…

Suzanne McNicholas says Enta will show off a host of new products at PCR Boot Camp, including Mad Catz’s peripheral range, as well as offerings from Iiyama and Trust

A

fter scooping three awards at this year’s PCR Awards, Entatech is back with a bang at Boot Camp once again.

The distributor will be promoting a wide range of vendors during the event.

Suzanne McNicholas, marketing executive for Entatech, says: “As a comprehensive technology distributor, it’s important for Entatech to promote a cross section of our product offering. To that end, we will be joined by some of our key vendors including Microsoft, Transcend, Trust, Mad Catz, and Iiyama, with more vendors to be announced over the coming weeks.

“Entatech has always been renowned for offering a complete solution; innovative, quality products that cater to every channel division in terms of price point, technology and saleability, and this event will allow us to promote each facet.”

Enta currently has a broad product portfolio from more than 95 vendors, 20 of which are UK exclusive brands.

“Along with the brands who will be joining us at the www.pcr-online.biz

“We are continuously evolving our product portfolio and service offering, and PCR Boot Camp is a great way for us to showcase our offering.”

Suzanne McNicholas, Entatech

event, we have strong, established relationships with a number of key vendors, including Fujitsu, Microsoft, Intel, Philips, OKI Printers, AMD, Kingston Technology, Kaspersky and NVIDIA, to name a few. In 2014, we introduced 12 new brands to our portfolio, including HannsG, OTONE Audio, iWALK and Panda Security,” McNicholas adds.

“Our UK exclusive portfolio is strong and we offer are pleased to offer products from brands including Swann, ZOTAC, XFX, Mad Catz, ARCTIC and Fractal Design.”

This year marks the 25th year for Entatech as a distributor, and the firm also recently introduced Dave Stevinson as its new commercial director, replacing Jon Atherton.

The company says it offers a supportive relationship to resellers of all sizes.

McNicholas continues: “We pride ourselves in providing a partnership to our SMB customers, and offer a truly supportive relationship. We work hard to help make dealing with Entatech as fast, efficient and professional as

possible, and our team strive to provide added value.”

“PCR Boot Camp has always been a successful vehicle for Entatech, allowing us to not only meet with established resellers, but also providing the opportunity to meet with prospective resellers. At Entatech we trade with resellers of all sizes, from those just starting, to those who have worked within the industry for a number of years.”

After a successful year, the distributor has a positive outlook for the rest of 2015.

McNicholas adds: “We’re still

on a high from our triple win at the PCR Awards, and looking forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary this summer.

“We are continuously evolving our product portfolio and service offering, and PCR Boot Camp is a great way for us to showcase our offering.”

“PCR Boot Camp is also a popular event in the tech channel calendar, and the chance to meet with familiar faces throughout the channel is always something to look forward to.” www.entatech.com

Delegates will be able to browse Transcend’s selection of products

PCR May 2015 | 23

In association with

AOC AND PHILIPS/MMD TO SHOWCASE 4K MONITORS Interactivity is a key focal point for AOC and Philips/MMD, and regional sales director Paul Butler believes that displays will become larger in the future, while 4K monitors will start to become even more popular…

A “Larger, bigger, curved – that’s where all displays are going. The entry point for monitors is moving up.”

Paul Butler, AOC and MMD

OC and Philips/MMD will be showcasing a wide range of 4K monitors this year, and are looking forward to getting the chance to see new and familiar faces from the industry.

Paul Butler, regional sales director for AOC and Philips/ MMD, says: “It is one of the few events that allows us to interact face-to-face with these important contacts.

Boot Camp is a great event for us to showcase our portfolio.”

In particular, AOC will be showing off its latest 34-inch U3477PQU and 4K U2868PQU models during the event, while Philips/MMD will be concentrating on the new 40inch 4K BDM4065UC monitor.

“At the same time we will focus on new and innovative features such as our Anti-Blue Light displays and newer resolutions,” Butler adds.

Philips/MMD has also been growing its channel for more consumer and business lines, helping to position the company for B2B applications.

Butler explains: “We have had most of our success partnering with VARs who are looking at the mid sector enterprise business. Ultimately, we are seeking to expand our portfolio at PCR Boot Camp.”

Butler also believes that customers are starting to expect more from their monitors, and MMD has since placed more concentration on larger monitors and 4K tech.

“Larger, bigger, curved – that’s where all displays are going. The entry point for monitors is moving up, and people are prepared to spend more money on their desired products,” Butler concludes. www.aoc-europe.com www.mmd-p.com

SECURITY SOFTWARE TAKES CENTRE STAGE FOR PXS SIM cards and Intel mini PCs are next on the agenda for PXS Distribution, and MD Robert Hall is looking forward to speaking to resellers about the company’s security software renewal program at this year’s event…

K

nown for its wide range of security software, PXS Distribution is taking the opportunity to showcase some new vendors to delegates this year.

The company has also recently launched its own renewal program for resellers, which allows them to buy any of the company’s consumer security software products, sell them into their consumer base and generate revenue at the point of renewal.

Robert Hall, MD of PXS Distribution, says: “This has been a system that has taken a lot of time and effort to implement, but we are very excited about its potential.”

Throughout the event, the team on the PXS stand will also be holding demonstrations of its range of products, including Kaspersky and Bitdefender.

24 | PCR May 2015

“We are excited about speaking to resellers about our renewal program, but we also have a wide range of new vendors to introduce, some of which are already available in the UK, some which aren’t, so we invite all resellers to stop by and speak to us,” adds Hall.

The company is also hoping to dabble in some new products from the likes of Intel as well as incorporate new SIM cards into the company’s portfolio. Hall continues: “We’re looking at SIM cards that allow you to send text based messaging regardless of where you are in the world, and an Intel based Windows 8.1 PC that fits into your pocket and plugs into the back of your TV, for £180.

“You will see a broader product range by the time you get to Boot Camp.” www.pxsdistribution.co.uk

“We are excited about speaking to resellers about our renewal program, but we also have a wide range of new vendors.”

Robert Hall, PXS Distribution

www.pcr-online.biz

Visit the Acer and Ingram Micro stand at the PCR Boot Camp on 14th May

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designing since 09

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In association with

INDIES GET THE VIP TREATMENT With hopes to further strengthen its gaming and components offering, VIP is also inviting retailers to check out the supplier’s own VIP Club incentives at Boot Camp, which director Rich Marsden is keen to shout about this year…

V “Boot Camp is a great opportunity for us to get in front of our indie retailer customers.”

Rich Marsden, VIP Computers

IP Club will be the focus for distributor VIP Computers at Boot Camp this year, as the company says it has invested a great deal of time and money in developing the club over the past year.

Rich Marsden, director of VIP Computers, says: “We are keen to shout about the exciting developments that have taken place.

“We feel it is the channel incentives programme that all independent retailers should be part of, so we are keen to speak to attendees and explain why.”

Independent retailers can join VIP Club and gain access to a range of benefits designed to assist and improve businesses.

Boot Camp also serves as a great platform for VIP to speak to indie retailers,

according to VIP Computers.

Marsden continues: “We are always looking for ways to gauge customer feedback and Boot Camp is a great opportunity to get in front of our indie retailer customers.

“Face-to-face meetings are few and far between, so PCR Boot Camp goes some way towards redressing that.”

The distributor is also celebrating its 25th year, offering customers a wide range of products from a host of vendors across several key categories.

The company is also hoping to strengthen its gaming and components offering with new and existing brands, while the firm is focusing on the devices space too.

“A big area of growth for VIP over the next 12 months will be devices,” adds Marsden. www.vip-computers.com/uk

MANAGE IT SERVICES BETTER WITH MAXFOCUS MAXfocus will be placing its main emphasis on software at Boot Camp, and Dave Sobel says it will help to support businesses’ IT infrastructure and give resellers strong revenue opportunities via managed services…

M

AXfocus has more than 12,000 monthly subscription customers in more that 100 countries, and software is at the forefront for the company.

Products from the firm are sold through the channel as a platform to allow solution providers, managed service providers (MSPs) and IT firms to deliver high quality services.

Dave Sobel at MAXfocus’ parent company LogicNow, says: “At Boot Camp we will be promoting the MAXfocus software. Our powerful webbased dashboard and mobile apps enable MSP and IT support providers to use the MAX platform to manage their customers’ IT infrastructure, quickly spot and fix problems and identify new revenue opportunities.”

Customers of MAXfocus also have access to the

26 | PCR May 2015

“The MAXfocus platform empowers MSPs and IT support companies.”

Dave Sobel, LogicNow

company’s wide range of products, including MAX RemoteManagement, MAX Backup and MAX Mail.

Plus, the company also offers a range of business assets to help MSPs position and market their services to help drive leaders for their businesses and sales ideas to help them close deals.

“LogicNow invests heavily in the community, knowing

that by helping our partners grow, we enable the channel to succeed,” Sobel adds.

MAXfocus also aims to help businesses manage, protect the technology and data assets of their customers’ businesses from on premise devices such as workstations, servers and desktops.

Sobel continues: “MAXfocus is the platform of choice for the largest

community of future-focused MSPs and IT support companies in the world.

“The MAXfocus platform empowers MSPs and IT support companies to deliver world class IT operations and IT service management to their customers, with a customisable set of services that has the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.” www.maxfocus.com

www.pcr-online.biz

0208 676 6067 sales@m2m-direct.co.uk Find us at PCR Boot Camp - Stand 9

M2M Direct Number 1 Memory and Storage Specialist • Memory – Desktop, Server & Laptop • Gaming Performance Memory • Solid State Drives • Enterprise – Memory, Storage, Nas • Storage – Internal, External, HDD, includes the M3 range • Accessories – Speakers, Portable chargers & Tablets

In association with

CHECK OUT DRAM MEMORY AND SSDS WITH M2M After launching in 1998, M2m Limited has expanded its portfolio from memory to include storage from the likes of Samsung and Toshiba. Here MD Ged Mitchell tells PCR what attendees can expect to see at its stand…

M “From memory we expanded into storage, keeping our focused specialist approach.”

Ged Mitchell, M2m Limited

emory and storage will be the focal point for M2m Limited this year, as the distributor will be showcasing its wide range of brands, including the likes of Toshiba, Samsung, Seagate, Crucial and G-Skill.

The company will also be demonstrating the latest SSDs for client, server and data centre applications, including M.2, PCIe as well as NVMe technologies.

Other products that will be shown off include a range of accessories from Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology (TSST), and service products including the M2m portal.

The distributor was first set up in 1998 as a specialist memory supplier, and has since had a turnover of circa £50 million. “From memory we expanded into storage

keeping our focused specialist approach, and we have launched our Enterprise Division with some outstanding new supplier engagements,” says M2m Limited MD Ged Mitchell.

The after party at Boot Camp is also something Mitchell is looking forward to, offering the team the chance to network and meet with new clients: “As always, meeting new and current customers face-to-face as well as introducing some of those customers to our world class suppliers, we always look forward to meeting and talking to clients at the networking event.”

Mitchell adds: “We see Boot Camp as the ideal opportunity to meet new and current clients to update them on M2m products and services.” www.m2m-direct.co.uk

4K MONITORS ON DISPLAY AT MENTOR’S STAND Multi-coloured touchscreens and 4K monitors will make up the display for Mentor Distribution at Boot Camp this year, which finance manager Steven Thompson believes will see a boom in the market soon…

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nown for specialising in displays, it comes as no surprise that Mentor Distribution will be putting most of its emphasis on this segment during Boot Camp this year.

The company stocks NEC, Iiyama and Toshiba, and also manufactures its own touchscreens, toughened glass displays, piracy filter monitors, as well as offering other additional services, including logo printing and spraying bezels to each customer’s requirements.

Steven Thompson, finance manager at Mentor Distribution, says: “Boot Camp gives us an opportunity to meet up with our existing customers as well as prospective new ones.”

Plus, the firm also believes it can offer the best advice when it comes to displays,

30 | PCR May 2015

thanks to its dedicated team of experts. Thompson explains: “At Mentor we pride ourselves in our customer service and knowledge.

“Because we specialise in display screens our staff are best positioned to give advice. For example, there are numerous touchscreen technologies but not all would be suitable for use in a hospital environment.”

The company will also be showcasing its new multicoloured touchscreen, and expects 4K screens to rise in popularity. Thompson adds: “Again, in terms of displays we are expecting to see good growth again.

“We expect 4K displays to increase in popularity as prices reduce and 4K content becomes more readily available”. mentor-distribution.com

“We expect 4K displays to increase in popularity as prices reduce.”

Steven Thompson, Mentor Distribution

www.pcr-online.biz

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In association with

PC GAMING GIZMOS AND GADGETS FROM CASEKING A wide range of gaming vendors will be on show with Caseking this year, while Steven Levitt, the firm’s marketing specialist, sees Boot Camp as the perfect opportunity to meet with new and existing customers…

R “We are looking forward to showing the vast range of products we have to offer along with the level of service we provide.”

Steven Levitt, Caseking

enowned for its vast amount of gaming peripherals and accessories, Caseking returns to Boot Camp once again where it will showcase a range of vendors, including BitFenix, Raijinte, Phanteks Super Flower, Xigmatek and Zowie.

Steven Levitt, marketing specialist for Caseking, says: “There are very little events where we can display our products in front of current and potential new customers, and PCR Boot Camp is a brilliant opportunity for us to do this.

“Showcasing computer cases is extremely important to us, as a huge factor of buying a computer case is the aesthetics and build quality.

This makes PCR Boot Camp extremely important for us to physically put the products

right in front of customers,” continues Levitt.

The distributor will be displaying its product range including cases, coolers, power supplies, gaming chairs and peripherals during the event.

The distributor also says it can offer its customers a unique product range, whilst also creating good profit margins on the exclusive products Caseking provides.

New customers are one of the highlights for the team at Caseking, something that Levitt feels Boot Camp can facilitate. “We are looking forward to meeting existing customers, but more importantly new customers, and showing the vast range of products we have to offer along with the level of service we provide,” adds Levitt. www.caseking.co.uk

CUSTOMERS ARE KEY TO PROGRESS FOR NORTHAMBER The veteran distributor is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, and its brand new vendors will be making an appearance at Boot Camp. Alex Phillips, Northamber’s director of strategy, tells PCR what delegates can expect…

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orthamber has promised to showcase a variety of its vendors this year, and are inviting retailers to stop by the distributor’s stand to check out what it has to offer.

The distributor is in its 35th year and says it has sustained a good relationship with its resellers in the UK during that time. Alex Phillips, director of strategy for Northamber, says: “We believe these type of events are crucially important to the industry, and indeed aside from attending PCR Boot Camp, we now host our own Tech Expo.”

Meeting customers is also one of the most important things to Phillips, which he believes Boot Camp can provide a platform for. He explains: “We are most looking forward to meeting our loyal customers and

www.pcr-online.biz

thanking them for their business, and discussing how we can work even closer with them to help support them in their efforts over the coming years.”

Northamber currently distributes a wide range of vendor products and services, including desktops and servers, storage and memory, printers, monitors and more.

The company has revealed that it intends to work on developing new offerings for its reseller partners, as well as bringing new offerings to market in the future.

But what sets Northamber apart from other distributors?

“There’s no one aspect that sets us apart, it’s our unique approach that has kept us competitive for 35 years in an extremely competitive market,” Phillips tells PCR. www.northamber.com

“We believe these type of events are crucially important to the industry.”

Alex Phillips, Northamber

PCR May 2015 | 35

In association with

INGRAM MICRO TO SHOWCASE ACER’S PRODUCT RANGE Having tripled its retail and consumer business over the last three years, Ingram Micro is looking forward to PCR Boot Camp and showing off Acer’s line-up. Ingram’s head of sales Chris Connell tells us more…

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istributor Ingram Micro UK will be attending Boot Camp with Acer this year, where the vendor’s versatile products – from notebooks to tablets – will be on show throughout the event, while Ingram will also showcase its own services.

Over the last three years, the supplier says its retail and consumer business has tripled in size, and feels confident enough to provide a good service to retailers and etailers in the channel.

Chris Connell, head of sales, B2C division, at Ingram Micro,

“With our plans to acquire new brands and categories, 2015 will be another great year for Ingram Micro.”

Chris Connell, Ingram Micro

says: “We feel that events like PCR Boot Camp will only help us to continue improving our goal of becoming the distie of choice in the market.

“The chance to be able to talk directly with more partners in order to sell our story and offerings is an opportunity we should be taking with both hands, and there isn’t a better time to do this than at PCR Boot Camp.”

Some of Acer’s most innovative products include the Liquid Leap smart band, 4K G-Sync monitors and its line of Chromebooks.

Acer’s UK head of marketing Linda Hassall previously told PCR: “We see wearables as part of our vision for seamless connectivity across all Acer products.

“Our focus is on innovation, product leadership and

meeting market trends. We believe this is paying off and the evidence can be seen in our rise in market share.”

The vendor has also shown interest in the eSports sector, with possible plans to integrate more into gaming.

Home automation and wellbeing is where Connell believes the tech market will boom in the next 12 months, plus he also expects some strong product line-ups will come from younger and new categories.

So what’s next for Ingram Micro? Connell concludes: “With our plans to acquire new brands and categories, as well as continuing to work with more retailers, 2015 will be another great year for Ingram Micro.” www.uk.ingrammicro.com www.acer.co.uk

REGISTER AS A COMPTIA STOCK IN THE CHANNEL HELPS INDIES FIGHT BACK MEMBER AT BOOT CAMP Having set up over 450 online stores for resellers, Stock in the Channel is on its way to another impressive year as CEO Tony Meyers tells PCR about the provider…

CompTIA’s Liz Navlen and Kris Nagamootoo on what the IT trade body will be promoting at this year’s event, where delegates can browse the company’s guides…

W S

ervice provider Stock in the Channel will be exhibiting at Boot Camp this year, and the company is welcoming the opportunity to speak to resellers.

The price comparison website offers retailers the chance to search for suppliers and see which offers the best price, and Stock in the Channel’s CEO Tony Meyers believes that independent stores can start to claw back footfall and fight back against online rivals.

Meyers says: “Independents boomed with the arrival of the internet, but as technology has matured the smaller players have been under pressure. We have seen a move to offering more business

36 | PCR May 2015

orientated services as a way the independents can fight back and grow their sales.”

The company has already helped set up 450 online stores for resellers in the UK, with additional options to help improve footfall. For example, including options for in store delivery and giving customers the option to drop by in store if they have any issues.

Stock in the Channel has reached 1.5 million page views in just five years after its launch, which Meyers says is the company’s proudest moment to date. He’s looking forward to Boot Camp: “So much of our interaction is online, it will be great to actually talk to our users,” Meyers adds. www.stockinthechannel.com

orking as a non-profit trade association, CompTIA says its purpose is to help advance the IT industry.

Delegates can drop by the company’s stand during PCR Boot Camp where they will get the chance to become a registered user or Premier Member, where they will be able to access some of CompTIA’s content at no extra costs.

Liz Navlen, vice president for marketing and communications and Kris Nagamootoo, senior manager, vendor relations at CompTIA, said in a statement: “Events such as PCR Boot camp are extremely important for the industry, as they allow peers to connect, provides valuable insights into the industry and help IT companies understand new directions into which they can take their businesses.”

CompTIA will also be promoting its in-depth guides, research and resources that can help an IT company grow and improve its business, as well as its Trustmarks to help businesses verify themselves as best in practice.

The firm is also holding its next Community Meeting in June, where it hopes to address some of the challenges facing the tech industry.

Navlen and Nagamootoo added: “From listening to feedback from our members at our recent UK channel community meeting, the biggest challenge facing them currently is the recruitment and retention of skilled workers.” www.comptia.org

www.pcr-online.biz

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PCR May 2015 | 37

In association with

HANNSPREE SHOWS OFF SPORTS WATCH AND PC STICK Hannspree’s UK territory manager Martin Kent sees Boot Camp as a perfect platform to showcase new products, and this year the firm will debut its PC on a stick and its very first wearable tech in the form of a sports watch...

“PCR Boot Camp has never failed to provide us with the springboard to launch new products.”

A

fter recently announcing its Sports Watch, Hannspree will be showcasing the brand new device at Boot Camp. Other new products from the company include the PC on a Stick and All In One (AIO) Android Solutions, which delegates will be able to have a look at.

Martin Kent, territory manager for Hannspree UK, says: “PCR Boot Camp has never failed to provide us

Martin Kent, Hannspree

with the perfect springboard from which to launch new products from our roadmap to the channel.”

The company is also expecting to launch new products in the future featuring touch technology, tablet PCs, plus it plans to grow its smartphone range.

Currently Hannspree also carries a range of HannsG monitors as well as Hannspree electronics. www.hannspree.co.uk

SYNOLOGY TO INTRODUCE FRESH PRODUCTS Synology returns to Boot Camp once again, and Joanne Plummer, the company’s UK marketing manager, invites attendees to stop by and check out its latest Network Attached Storage products on the stand…

H

aving exhibited at Boot Camp for the past few years, Synology is returning to showcase its NAS (Network Attached Storage) products and DiskStation Manager operating system.

One of the key highlights for the company is getting the chance to speak with new and familiar retailers, which UK marketing manager Joanne Plummer believes is a great benefit of Boot Camp.

Plummer says: “It’s a great way to get in front of hundreds of resellers at once.

It’s also nice to see familiar faces from the channel and show people what is new with Synology.”

Synology has also revealed that it will have some exciting new products shortly coming out. “We have a new product coming, which will put Synology into a new market with new lines,” adds Plummer. www.synology.com

“We have a new product coming, which will put Synology into a new market with new lines.”

Joanne Plummer, Synology

NEW WEARABLES FROM NEMESIS SunnyCam, Lyte and Pinell are three of the brands that distributor Nemesis will be showcasing at Boot Camp this year. Retail channel manager Sally Elliott tells PCR what else Nemesis can offer customers…

“Nemesis offers creative solutions to resellers and can work in a number of different ways to suit the client.”

Sally Elliott, Nemesis

38 | PCR May 2015

W

earable and portable tech distributor Nemesis will be at Boot Camp this year, with plans to improve its presence in the retail channel.

The company will also be promoting sound and video through three of its brands, including SunnyCam, Lyte HD Video recording eyewear and Pinell DAB Radio.

Sally Elliott, retail channel manager for Nemesis, says: “Nemesis offers creative

solutions to resellers and can work in a number of different ways to suit the client.”

Plus, services include direct to consumer fulfillment, product bundling, technical support and the ability to build bespoke online web stores. “Boot Camp is a key event, it’s great to network and see current trends. We’re looking forward to meeting new clients and sharing ideas,” adds Elliott. www.nemesisgb.com

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FEATURE

Sticky situation Despite having been on sale for almost a year, DDR4 sticks of memory only make up around six per cent of the consumer RAM market. There are obvious benefits over DDR3 especially for the enterprise side – such as lower operating voltage and faster transfers – so will DDR4 have a bigger impact this year? Dominic Sacco asks the experts…

D

DR4 RAM may be superior to DDR3, but it’s fair to say it hasn’t yet set the world alight in terms of adoption.

While replacing RAM was generally considered the cheapest and quickest way to upgrade a user’s PC in the past, the rise of the SSD and more affordable graphics cards have seen it take a bit of a backseat in recent years in favour of flashier, affordable and impressive upgrades.

DDR4 RAM, usually available in kits of four or eight, launched mid-2014 as the fastest and most efficient type of memory available, but right now it’s still a little pricey (anything from about £100 at the low end to £500-plus at the higher bracket) – and is compatible with Intel’s Haswell-E CPU/X99 motherboards.

This means uptake has been slow but steady. DDR4 RAM reached its highest ever share of the UK RAM market in February 2015, capturing six per cent of the market volume, which accounts for 15 per cent of the market value, according to GfK data.

Globally, the memory market is booming overall. It grew 16.6 per cent last year,

40 | PCR May 2015

reports Gartner, and it was the best performer in the semiconductor sector for the second year in a row.

So while the DRAM market is strong overall, it appears many consumers are still buying DDR3 rather than future proofing their machines and opting for DDR4; there is clearly room for growth.

In terms of pricing, in February just over one third of all RAM modules sold in the UK were priced less than £30.

In contrast, 61 per cent of DDR4 was sold over £100.

Looking at capacity, 4GB RAM is still the most popular segment, compared to 32GB for DDR RAM, which GfK says reflects the specialised/early adopter demographic who are upgrading to DDR4.

Dominic Ashford and Andrew Walsh from analyst GfK say in a statement: “From a hardware perspective, higher spec RAM continues to grow, with 8GB up to 30 per cent share of PC hardware in February 2015, compared to 23 per cent the same time last year. This evolution from 4GB occurs little and often

“The catalyst for DDR4 to become mainstream will be once it is implemented in the volume products – we expect that to happen from Q4.”

Mike Buchanan, Corsair

month by month, with 4GB down to 50 per cent volume share compared to 60 per cent in February 2014.”

The real kicker is that UK B2B channels account for a whopping 94 per cent of DDR4 sales in terms of volume (as of February); the server and enterprise market is clearly benefitting from the cost savings that DDR4 offers.

“When you roll out these benefits of low power consumption on DDR4 RAM in high density server requirements, along with the benefits of power consumption and speed enhancement, plus the benefits of Flash SSD/PCIe Server applications, we see this as offering businesses and consumers huge benefits and savings when you are looking at larger data centre and cloud storage environments,” explains Ged Mitchell, MD at distributor M2m Limited.

A spokesperson for Samsung Semiconductor Europe adds: “Today, we see already an accelerating adoption trend of DDR4 for server applications and LPDDR4 for mobile applications. In Q1

2015, the adoption rate is slightly under 50 per cent and by the end of 2015, the majority of servers will be using DDR4. As is typical the ‘adder’ cost of DDR4 relative to DDR3 will reduce and drive the adoption rate.”

So when do RAM vendors like Samsung expect to see mainstream consumer adoption of DDR4?

“For PC, the transition to new technology typically takes place one year after server and end of 2016, 2017 will see a significant adoption of DDR4/LPDDR4. By 2017 in the EDP area, we expect that DDR3 adoption will become niche,” adds Samsung.

Mike Buchanan, Corsair’s senior manager for the UK and Benelux countries, comments: “Enthusiast users have adopted the X99 platform quickly last year and it is now gaining for mainstream customer as well.

Along with that, DDR4 adoption is rising. The catalyst for DDR4 to become mainstream will be once it is implemented in the volume products – we expect that to happen starting Q4 this year.”

M2m’s Mitchell believes DDR4, like other memory technology generations, will

www.pcr-online.biz

FEATURE

normally take up to six to 12 months to ramp up with a typical price premium (typically 25 to 30 per cent) for initial volumes, until the manufacturers get to a yield output volume that allows them to reach parity with older generations, in this case DDR3.

“The interesting trend we’re seeing with DDR4 is the much faster uptake on server products and data centre applications, and on the PC side the main early adopters are the gaming memory community,” he tells PCR. “The costs involved in moving to the next technology or process generation are staggering and can run into billions of US dollars. By definition this restricts the number of manufacturers who can actually produce DRAM in the market and the number of volume DRAM and Flash players has gone from around 15 as of seven or eight years ago, to only four now: Samsung, [Crucial parent company] Micron, SK-Hynix and Toshiba. At M2M we work with the top three.”

Late last year Crucial told PCR that sales of its DDR4 DRAM modules were steady,

www.pcr-online.biz

but admitted there was “apprehension” towards pricing and adoption.

Crucial product marketing manager Jeremy Mortenson believes that DDR4 could really take off during this year and next.

“The analysts are saying late 2015/early 2016 for a possible crossover,” he comments. “We expect additional platforms to be released in 2015 and going forward. It really depends on Intel and AMD along with the motherboard and OEMs on how soon modules cross over to DDR4. We’re ready.”

So how much does analyst GfK anticipate DDR4’s share of the market will grow in the future?

Walsh adds: “We would expect to see steady growth.

The fact that it has taken seven months to get to a six per cent share indicates that it will continue to be slow, yet consistent share growth throughout 2015.”

PORTABLE POWER On the mobile devices side, with smartphones still as popular as ever and tablets still going strong (despite a slower uptake towards

“The interesting trend we’re seeing with DDR4 is the much faster uptake on server products.”

Ged Mitchell, M2m Limited

the end of 2014 and this year), Corsair says that memory for these devices is now taking a large share of DRAM output.

Buchanan comments: “This leads to product being optimised with new priorities, chiefly power efficiency and integration to keep packages small. For PC, current platforms are able to take advantage of higher frequencies, and the market is responding to that in moving to 1,866MHz and up for desktop memory.”

Samsung adds: “Many notebooks are focusing on longer battery power in order to compete with the longer battery life coming from tablets, and as such are also turning to mobile technology.

“Several notebook products on the market use LPDDR3, and Samsung believe in the future a larger portion of notebooks will turn to mobile memory and especially LPDDR4.”

Looking back on the desktop side, technology for DRAM is improving all the time. Memory vendor Avexir launched the first LED-based DDR4 RAM earlier this year,

which features a red strobe LED effect targeting gamers.

Elsewhere, Samsung announced its mass production of 8GB DDR4 based on 20nm process technology in October last year, which allows a maximum capacity of 128GB by applying 3D TSV technology while it’s using 1.2 volt, which is currently the lowest possible voltage.

Using this new 8GB DDR4 chip, Samsung says its 32GB RDIMM module can deliver a performance increase of approximately 29 per cent with a data transfer rate of 2,400Mbps, compared to 1,866 Mbps from a DDR3 server module.

Elsewhere in the market, Crucial’s parent company Micron saw its revenues for Q2 2015 dip nine per cent compared to Q1 2015, which it says was primarily due to declines in DRAM unit volumes and to decreases in average selling prices.

Check out the latest DDR4 products from M2m Limited at PCR Boot Camp on May 14th – sign up for free at www.pcrbootcamp.com. You can also check out a range of RAM products available to stock in this issue on page 49.

PCR May 2015 | 41

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INTERVIEW

Giving retail More Distributor Peak Development has teamed up with tech accessories vendor Bitmore to launch a new range of affordable audio gear.

Dominic Sacco speaks to Peak’s product manager Paul Dutton…

Tell us about the Bitmore brand. What makes it different and what does it offer retailers?

Bitmore is a brand that has been around for a number of years and is well respected in certain areas. It sells really well on airlines. While it’s not our brand, it belongs to Nuwave Channel Partners (who we work with and have done for a long time). We started to talk with retailers about what they want from a solution to hit 80 per cent of the market.

By that what I mean is you can sell higher end headphones and power banks, but there is a requirement for a good brand rather than a better and a best brand. And people are starting to say: “I want something that shows little or no conflict, but something I can offer to my customers, because my customers come to me, rather than my customers come for a brand.”

So it wouldn’t conflict with the likes of Beats?

No. To give you an idea, we launched the range of headphones in March and none of the products retail for more than £29.99. The simple reason for that is that’s where most of the market is. If you look around your office there may be people with Beats headphones on and people with other headphones, and the other headphones certainly fall in that other category of less than £30.

How closely do you work with retailers on the development side?

What we decided with Bitmore is to get retailers involved right from the word go. So for example, is this packaging right for the retailer, yes or no? Will this packaging look right on a retailer’s shelves? We had one example where we changed www.pcr-online.biz

the packaging of a product because it couldn’t be opened easily in a certain environment. These are the things that retailers like to get involved with from the word go, and as such they’ve already got respect for the brand.

What kind of experience does Peak have in the tech market?

Peak has been around for just over 20 years, working with various retailers and resellers.

We’re seen as a trusted partner for our vendors but really most importantly our retailers. What really sets us apart is unlike other distributors we don’t deal with hundreds and hundreds of different vendors. Our vendors have to compete in the retail space – especially in the UK – so they shouldn’t have to compete on one of their partner’s sales floors.

What that means is our retailers get great product knowledge. Some of our guys know products better than anybody. And it also means that the retailers get given every opportunity from a vendor, rather than what some sales person on a distribution sales floor thinks is the right product for them.

What are your core product categories?

We’ve been doing flash memory since 1993 and we’re probably the most experienced flash memory distributor in the UK. We’ve got a lot of customers and we focus heavily on vendor SanDisk. The outdoor bags and sport and leisure category is big for us, we do a lot of industrial work, plus we supply action cameras. We’re focusing heavily on no more than ten vendors.

Audio is also very big for us.

However, our aim is not to be the biggest distributor of

Paul Dutton says Peak Development is one of the UK’s most experienced flash memory distributors

“Our aim is not to be the biggest distie of audio, our aim is to be a trusted partner of quality brands.”

Paul Dutton, Peak Development

audio, our aim is to be a trusted partner of high quality brands. Sony, Sennheiser and Veho are great partners of ours – we’re doing great work with all three of those, but obviously we want to bring in brands such as Bitmore so then we’ve truly got a best range.

What’s next for Peak Development?

We’re aiming to launch outdoor activity wearable devices in the next few months. We are also looking for growth. We’d be really interested in listening to any retailers and vendors that want to partner with us. We do offer something different to your standard distributor and we offer true focus. And that’s focus for our customers and our retailers.

WHAT ARE THE NEW PRODUCTS? BITMORE HAS a range of earphones, headphones, Bluetooth speakers and power banks available to stock, with more audio players, sound bars, speakers and cables, which are coming out this year.

There’s the Classic Over-Ear Headphones (SRP £29.99), Classic In-Ear Headphones (£14.99), the

Fusion Over-Ear Headphones (£29.99) and the Urban Over-Ear Headphones (£29.99) which have a modern streetwise style. The latter two have a Super Bass Dynamic System (SBDS) for a bass rich sound.

In addition, Bitmore has the Ed Foams Kids Headphones (£34.99) built with tough flexible

EVA foam and an 85 decibel limiter, the Capsule Bluetooth Speaker (£39.99) as well as the portable Juucee Lite Powerbank (£14.99).

You can see more information on some of the products in PCR’s audio sector guide on pages 44 and 45.

PCR May 2015 | 43

SECTOR GUIDE

Audio accessories and software Consumers want their music to sound its best both at home and on the go nowadays. Jade Burke checks out the latest audio equipment including headphones, speaker docks and Bluetooth devices available on the market…

S160BT BLUETOOTH RECHARGEABLE SYSTEM

BITMORE CLASSIC IN-EAR HEADPHONES

OTTO-BLUMOTION PORTABLE DAB RADIO

APPROX APPSP21M 2.1 MINI SPEAKERS

Distributor: Dynamode

Distributor: Peak Development

Distributor: Entatech

Distributor: Spire Technology

With an integral Li-ioN technology rechargeable system, this sound system can give up to six hours of playback. It can also be connected via Bluetooth by up to 10 metres and features an internal memory card slot.

With 10mm speakers and a Dynamic Bass Technology System, music is able to sound loud and clear. Users can also take calls hands-free thanks to the built-in microphone, plus the antitangle cords keeps wires tangle-free.

Blumotion operates on DAB, DAB+ and FM radio frequencies, and uses its white on black LCD screen to display DSL (Dynamic Label Segment) information.

Music can also be streamed and connected to it via Bluetooth.

This set of speakers comes with a frequency range of 20Hz-18KHz with a power voltage of 5W, plus a subwoofer is included for extra bass. It is powered

by USB 5V and has control buttons for bass and volume.

Specs: Bluetooth 2.1, 10 metre range, Li-ioN rechargeable battery, 3W stereo speakers, ClearSound technology.

Specs: Anti-tangle cords, built-in microphone, Dynamic Bass Technology.

Specs: Bluetooth connectivity, DAB, DAB+ and FM radio frequencies.

Specs: 2.1 stereo speakers, plug and play, 3.5mm audio jack connector.

SRP: £19.99

SRP: £14.99

SRP: £79.99

SRP: £11.99

MAGIX MUSIC MAKER 2015

EDIFIER MP211 SPEAKER

YAMAHA NXP100 PORTABLE DOCK

APPROX PRO CHAT HEADSET

Distributor: Exertis

Distributor: Midwich

Distributor: Northamber

Distributor: Spire Technology

Users can drag, drop and arrange more than 3,000 sounds and loops with the Music Maker 2015. The software comes with a virtual synthesizer, drum machine and Vita Sampler. It also allows users to publish their tracks online.

Music is played through the speaker’s twin 1.5-inch neodymium drivers. The built-in Li-ioN battery also provides up to eight hours of use, which can be recharged via a micro USB cable, plus the speaker features NFC tech.

Music can be played for up to eight hours thanks to the internal rechargeable battery. It is Bluetooth and NFC compatible so there is no need for wires, while the splash-proof rating of IPX4 helps to protect it from water.

A built-in microphone comes with this headset, whilst the noise cancelling headphones help to block out any external noise. Users can also change the volume with the built-in controls on the cable.

Specs: 3,000 new loops and sounds, soundpools from six genres, publish tracks online.

Specs: Bluetooth 4.0, NFC technology, AUX input, Micro SD card playback, 1.5inch neodymium drivers.

Specs: 3.5mm mini jack audio input, IPX4 splash-proof, internal battery, NFC and Bluetooth compatible.

Specs: 40mm speaker drivers, noise cancelling, built-in microphone, in-line volume control.

SRP: £59.99

SRP: £39.99

SRP: £199.95

SRP: £8.99

44 | PCR May 2015

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SECTOR GUIDE

TURTLE BEACH RECON 320

MICROLAB M-590 SPEAKER SYSTEM

YAMAHA YAS-203 SOUNDBAR

S800BT BLUETOOTH STEREO SOUND SYSTEM

Distributor: Exertis

Distributor: Smithie

Distributor: Northamber

Distributor: Dynamode

These headphones can be personalised with swappable speaker plates, while the included mobile cable allows users to take calls. Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound is available along with noise isolation and breathable mesh ear cushions.

Designed for digital movies, TV, CD/ DVD and MP3/MP4 playbacks, this speaker system from Microlab will help to provide powerful bass tones thanks to its 2.1 subwoofer system. It also features front volume controls.

This soundbar comes equipped with a wireless subwoofer and features an advanced bass extension to help deliver a variety of bass sounds. The soundbar is compatible with Bluetooth and can sync up with devices wirelessly.

This system can be connected to an iPad, iPhone, Android or Bluetooth enabled computer devices. It features Bluetooth 2.1 with a 10 metre range, and an Li-ioN rechargeable battery provides up to eight hours of playback.

Specs: 50mm Neodymium speakers, mesh ear cups, detachable microphone, personalised speaker plates.

Specs: 2.1 subwoofer system, 14W power output, 15W bass rated power.

Specs: App controllable, 200W total power, wall mountable, wireless subwoofer, Bluetooth connectivity.

Specs: Bluetooth 2.1, built-in 3.5mm phono cable, USB connection, 2W speakers, memory card slot.

SRP: £69.99

SRP: £29.99

SRP: £429.95

SRP: £21.99

BITMORE CAPSULE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

SONY ACID MUSIC STUDIO

MICROLAB T2 BLUETOOTH STEREO HEADSET

KINGSTON HYPERX CLOUD II

Distributor: Peak Development

Distributor: Exertis

Distributor: Smithie

Distributors: Ingram Micro, Entatech, Simms

Two 3W stereo drivers combine to provide users with 6W of sound with this Bluetooth speaker. It features a built-in speakerphone conference calling functionality, and has a wireless range of up to 10 metres.

Over 3,000 music loops are available with the Acid Music Studio, and users can also publish their songs straight to Indaba Music Pro thanks to the free one-year membership. This software is also compatible with Windows 8.1.

Incorporating Bluetooth wireless technology, users can stream music from any Bluetooth enabled device with this headset. The ear pads are made out of durable rubber and the flexible headband can fit most head crowns.

This headset from Kingston features a newly designed USB sound card audio control box, which amplifies audio and voice, plus its independent audio and microphone volume control allows users to adjust the mic volume.

Specs: Bluetooth connectivity, 10 metre wireless range, speakerphone, USB charging cable.

Specs: 3,000 music loops, Windows 8.1 compatible, audio and MIDI mixing console, tutorials.

Specs: Bluetooth connectivity, 14 hours playback time, extendable headband, rubber ear pads.

Specs: Hi-Fi capable with 53mm drivers, USB connectivity, 100 per cent memory foam headband, leatherette cushions.

SRP: £39.99

SRP: £39.95

SRP: £39.99

SRP: £74.99

CONTACT

www.pcr-online.biz

Dynamode ................... 0845 375 2023

Ingram Micro............... 0871 973 3000

Simms ..........................01622 852800

Entatech ...................... 0333 101 1000

Midwich ....................... 01379 649 200

Smithie UK....................01256 844028

Exertis (Home) ............ 01279 822 822

Northamber ................ 020 8292 7000

Spire Technology ........ 01202 828 444

Exertis (IT) ....................01256 707070

Peak Development ......01489 796979

PCR May 2015 | 45

SECTOR GUIDE

Memory According to analyst GfK, DDR3 is still making a big impact within the memory market, and DDR4 is starting to grow rapidly with customers. Here Jade Burke rounds up some of the latest memory modules available…

CRUCIAL BALLISTIX SPORT DDR4

CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX DDR4

AVEXIR RAIDEN 32GB DDR3 DUAL/QUAD

SAMSUNG GREEN SERVER DRAM DDR4

Distributors: Northamber, M2M

Distributors: Exertis, Entatech, VIP Computers

Distributor: Caseking

Distributor: Xel

Designed specifically for gamers and overclockers, the Ballistix Sport also comes with two custom heat spreader designs. It has a module density of between 4GB and 8GB, as well as a speed of up to 2,400MT/s.

Aluminium heat spreaders are designed to help dissipate heat with this DDR4 memory. It has been designed for overclockers, with a capacity of 16GB and has a speed of 2,133MHz. The DDR4 also offers double the bandwidth.

These DDR3/DDR4 gaming memory modules use patented technology of plasma tubes to mimic a lightning effect. White high performance heat spreaders are used with this module to help dissipate heat.

Samsung DDR4 has been designed to high performance computing and networking, and uses 20nm-class process technology. Its memory modules are available with initial speeds of up to 2,400Mbps.

Specs: Integrated heat spreaders, DDR4 platforms, 2,400MT/s speed, 4GB and 8GB module density.

Specs: Capacities up to 64GB (8x8GB kit), heat spreader, eight-layer PCB, DDR4 memory.

Specs: Blue plasma strobe lighting effect, supports Intel XMP technology, heat spreaders.

Specs: Operates at bandwidth range of 1,600 to 3,200Mbps, reduced power usage, 1.2V.

SRP: Various

SRP: From £58.99 to £1,484.99

SRP: £329.99

SRP: TBC

CRUCIAL BALLISTIX SPORT XT DDR3

KINGSTON HYPERX FURY DDR3

TRANSCEND JETMEMORY 8GB MODULE

CORSAIR APPLE QUALIFIED 8GB KIT DDR3

Distributors: Northamber, M2M

Distributors: Ingram Micro, Entatech, Simms

Distributor: Westcoast

Distributor: Exertis

Designed for gamers comfortable with changing BIOS settings, the Sport XT offers speeds of up to 1,866 MHz. The memory is available in 4GB and 8GB variants with an expanded heat spreader.

The Fury automatically recognises its host platform and overclocks to the highest frequency, which goes up to 1,866MHz. An asymmetric heat spreader design is featured and it has a voltage of 1.5V.

Designed specifically for Apple including iMacs (end 2013), this module from Transcend comes with 8GB of DDR3L. It comes with frequency speeds of up to 1,600MHz and runs on the SODIMM CL 11 form factor.

Corsair’s 4GB and 8GB Mac Memory upgrade kits have been deigned to help make a Mac’s system work faster. It runs on a 204-pin DDR3 SODIMM format and is compatible with virtually all modern Mac computers.

Specs: 4GB and 8GB variants, speeds of up to 1,866MHz.

Specs: 8GB and 16GB kits, 1,866MHz frequency speed, 1.5V, asymmetric heat spreader.

Specs: 8GB DDR3L, 1,600MHz frequency speeds, designed for Apple.

Specs: 1.5V, tested at Apple Developer Compatibility Labs, compatible with MacBook Pro and iMac, 204-pin.

SRP: Various

SRP: From £52.99

SRP: £75

SRP: From £35.99 to £132.99

CONTACT www.pcr-online.biz

Caseking .......................01782 444488 Entatech ...................... 0333 101 1000 Exertis (Home) ............ 01279 822 822 Exertis (IT) ....................01256 707070

Ingram Micro .............. 0871 973 3000 Northamber ................ 020 8292 7000 Simms ..........................01622 852800 VIP Computers ............ 0871 622 7500

Westcoast ................... 0118 912 6000 Xel ................................01730 710500

PCR May 2015 | 49

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Store of the Month

Counter Insurgent

A TOUR OF GOOGLE’S STORE AFTER HEARING about the first Google shop, I couldn’t help but stop by Tottenham Court Road and take a look.

The store-within-a-store offers five pit stops, where visitors can get their hands on various laptops and the Nexus smartphone and tablet. The store is akin to Apple in its simple yet stylish layout, and as soon as I entered a friendly assistant approached to show me around.

Although the store is indeed good fun, Google is also hoping to host regular classes and events, ranging from online security to showing customers how devices work.

Interactivity is a core theme, with the Doodle Wall and Portal offering visitors the chance to get creative. While this practical approach could be difficult for all indie PC stores and other smaller retailers along the High Street

“The Doodle Wall and Portal offers visitors the chance to get creative.”

GOOGLE’S HIGH STREET DOODLE Google has opened its first store-withina-store in Tottenham Court Road’s Currys/PC World outlet.

There’s a giant surround sound screen that has been dubbed the ‘portal’, which allows users to fly around the world using Google Maps. By using the stylus, visitors can start their journey

to emulate, I think it is something that they can at least take inspiration from.

If retailers started to offer customers the chance to play around with products more freely, this interactivity will drive customer engagement, and no doubt word of mouth about the experience will help to bring in more custom. Retailers could also take a leaf out of Google’s book by holding tuition classes, creating another revenue source.

Google’s marketing director James Elias has said that the store offers a unique try-before-you-buy experience, and I think the store managed just that. The hands-on approach and introduction to each virtual section made the experience more appealing.

It can certainly give other tech retailers food for thought.

Jade Burke, Staff Writer jburke@nbmedia.com

in Italy and finish up in America.

A Doodle Wall allows visitors to dabble in graffiti art using a digital spray can to create their own take on the Google logo.

Elsewhere, the Chromecast pod plays movie content and YouTube for anyone looking to chill out and escape the hustle and bustle of the London street.

PCR takes soundings from its Retail Advisory Board on the biggest issues in the industry. The current members are: RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

Craig Hume, Utopia Computers

Jason Eccles, SimplyFixIT

Mike Barron, Synaxon

Iain Shaw, Brigantia

Duncan Rutherford, Dabs.com

Steve Ling, Overclockers UK

Jonpaul Warren, Ebuyer.com

David Chorlton, Maplin

CK, YoYoTech

Jat Mann, PC Pal

Ben Miles, Chillblast

Phil Browes, HMV

Phylip Morgan, Network Group

Juliet Ward, Argos

Gavin Holder, GHI Computers

Chris Innes, Micro Plus

James Gorbold, Scan Computers

John Church, Shop Direct

Will Fletcher, Toys “R” Us

William Jones, John Lewis

Vladimir Kuznetsov, DinoPC

Steven Lightfoot, Pudsey Computers

www.pcr-online.biz

PCR May 2015 | 51

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STORE OF THE MONTH

FACT FILE Year established: 2006 Number of stores: 1 Number of staff: 6 Address: 312 Ashley Road, Poole Telephone: 01202 830121 Email: info@simple-pcs.co.uk

PCs Made Simple

Website: www.simple-pcs.co.uk

It’s been a busy time for PCs Made Simple, after winning a ‘Top of the Shops’ award and receiving an accreditation with Microsoft. Jade Burke speaks to founder Clifford Johnson and finds out about the indie’s ‘cuddles’ service…

How and when did the business begin?

My brother and me had been doing what we’re doing now since time began, and it came to the point where I had so many friends and family asking for our support and advice in the evenings, we thought let’s just give it a go – and formed the company in 2006.

What services and products do you offer in store?

Products wise we sell the usual screens, keyboards, mice, gaming equipment and the usual peripherals.

We have annual servicing, and we normally call them ‘cuddles’. It comes across quite friendly that we’re just going to give it a quick cuddle, and it always brings a smile to a customers face. One

www.pcr-online.biz

of the charities we also support is Streetwise – a safety centre to teach kids, and we’ve dubbed it the System Builder’s Workshop.

Tell us a bit about your cloud services?

We work very closely with a sister company of ours called Simply Backup, and we’re very proud of this because it’s truly unlimited. From the actual hosted desktop kind of cloud services, we don’t get much call for it, but we can provide hosted desktops and virtual servers. Other managed services include the MAXfocus suite, with patch and maintenance and monitoring.

What kind of work do you do with schools?

We help schools quite a lot with cloud services, and their

broadband connectivity as well. We do enjoy working with schools, and an introduction we had with a private school a while ago prompted us to become

“We have servicing called ‘cuddles’ – it always brings a smile to a customer’s face.”

Clifford Johnson, PCs Made Simple accredited with Microsoft. It allows us to offer more, and it’s amazing how cheap Microsoft sells its software to schools. And we can pass on the benefit of our knowledge,

and new skills we’ve learnt, by saving them literally thousands of pounds.

You were the winner of the ‘Top of the Shops’ award, Poole, for customer service in 2013. How did that feel?

It was just amazing. It was all done on a whim. When you find out 300 other shops are in the running, we didn’t think we’d get there. But we won through on our personality, our advice and our jargon busting analogies basically.

What are your thoughts on the migration from Windows Server 2003? Are there any opportunities or challenges for you?

The biggest worry is Microsoft removing the small business server. Because the small business server with up to 75

users was the perfect platform for any medium sized business and it is sensibly priced. The second challenge is getting users to spend the money. That will create plenty of opportunities because we can now contact all the people that we look after.

What are your plans for the future?

Last year was a bit of a stale year for us, we had problems with the shop with water damage and all the plans for growth last year had to stop.

But we’re back on track now, so our end goal is to be able to get to anyone in Dorset within an hour. So that strategically means we need five shops across the whole of the county to be able to provide an almost ambulant service to local businesses.

PCR May 2015 | 53

PCR RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

Intel’s Compute Stick (above), Hannspree’s PC Stick (below) and Dell’s Wyse Cloud Connect (right)

Tiny market or

big opportunity?

A new raft of mini PC-on-a-stick products has arrived, from the likes of Dell, Hannspree and Stone. Following the launch of the Intel Compute Stick in April, the PCR Retail Advisory Board talks demand for small form factor PCs… ”We started selling Hannspree’s Micro-PC a few weeks ago. While initially we thought interest would be limited, we have found them not only to be a great conversation starter in our retail store, but they are also selling far better than expected. We have clients using them for all sorts, including digital signage in cafes. I think as long as the technology progresses, which it always does, we will be selling devices like this for the foreseeable future. My main take away for products like this is for retailers not to think if they would want to sell them, but to ask themselves would their customers be interested in them? It’s all too easy for retailers to write off products like this and miss big sales opportunities.”

CRAIG HUME, Director, Utopia Computers ”In our market, without doubt, the mini PC will be a fad – and probably not a popular one. It seems clear 54 | PCR May 2015

that TVs in the future will have more and more processing power built in – so where would the need for a stick come from?

“In developing countries, then the possibilities and potential is different. It’s easy to conceive of a booming economy across the third world where each child has something like a ‘PC on a stick’ which they can take to the local school or post office, plug it into a screen, and suddenly have access to their school books, work and other resources. Here in the UK, we live in a world where the average household income is just over £38,000 and even teenagers have mobile phone bills that are regularly up to £300 a year. Against that backdrop, where’s the longterm need for a portable computer like this?”

CK, MD, YoYoTech ”It is an area that we are keeping a close eye on; we have created a new category within our reporting tool to monitor the uptake from our

resellers. At this stage I can’t see any benefit, I can’t see how I would have a need for one either for business or personal use, but I’m happy to be told otherwise!”

MIKE BARRON, UK Channel Director, Synaxon ”Compact PCs are a growing source of revenue for Chillblast.

Everything from Mini ITX gaming systems to the much smaller NUC and Gigabyte Brix “palm-sized” systems are selling well. Motherboards are cramming in more and more functionality onto the PCB itself rather than relying on add-in slots, meaning very few customers end up needing the expansion capabilities of the traditional ATX motherboard. These smaller form factors are particularly handy for users who lack the space for a dedicated home office, as the systems can discretely sit to the side (or in some cases mount to the back of) the monitor. We’ve been pioneering small form factors for many years, ever since the

first shuttle bare bone systems, so we certainly know the category is going from strength to strength.”

BEN MILES, Buyer, Chillblast ”Maplin sell both the Intel NUC and Gigabyte Brix currently in store. We think the PC on a stick concept is an interesting initiative and is something we are working in partnership with Intel on.”

DAVID CHORLTON, Product Manager, Maplin ”Brigantia is working closely with our German distribution partner Wortmann AG to bring their Terra Computer range of Intel-based NUCs and mini PCs to the UK channel.

Brigantia partner resellers are impressed with the Intel

Compute Stick and a Terra version should be available to promote to end users in the second half of 2015.

“Brigantia head office has been using Terra Intel NUCs running Windows 8.1 Pro for over a year and the management team are very impressed with these units that bolt on the back of any Terra monitor. As a solution they free up space and remove messy wiring.

Monthly purchasing reports from Wortmann indicate that Brigantia reseller partners are also doing well with both Terra Intel NUCs and other Terra mini PCs. Volumes are growing month on month as end users adopt this smaller form of workstation. That said, the mini PC is not replacing the desktop, but rather complementing it, in much the same way the tablet has not replaced the laptop.”

IAIN SHAW, Divisonal Director, Brigantia

PCR RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD PCR asks its Retail Advisory Panel –formed of buyers and experts – about the biggest industry trends and issues each month. To join, email dsacco@nbmedia.com

www.pcr-online.biz

COUNTER INSURGENT

TRADE BODIES MUST DO MORE FOR INDIES This month, our anonymous PC retailer argues that IT trade organisations and buying groups have become too sales-driven, and have forgotten about smaller independent dealers…

IT’S TIME for an association that will focus on indie computer shops, help them improve and tackle the dayto-day challenges.

I understand they already exist, but it seems they are no longer interested in us.

Us indie shops are heavily underrated, but are actually more valuable to the industry then you may think.

We are the first port of call when someone needs help.

Nobody wants to “send a ticket” to a faceless business that can’t cater for them –

and where will these customers go when all of us become MSPs? Not only have these organisations forgotten us, but they have now become utterly sales driven; it seems they are only interested in encouraging us to employ a slew of tricks to inflate our profit margins via products and now the cloud. This is akin to the Stone Age salesmen still selling variations of a square wheel as opposed to the innovative round one. Where

has innovation gone for Pete’s sake?

They are constantly encouraging us to move to the latest fad. And if we don’t follow suit, we are snubbed by our peers for not being a “serious business”. A buying group stated it is interested in members who make £1 million each year, don’t they understand for most of us this may not be possible or sustainable? And to label us as “not serious” or a “lifestyle” business is downright patronising.

I now see a lot of distributors and vendors popping up at these trade body events, who from a distance appear to be a fellow member. Where has the transparency and neutrality gone? Maybe they need them to pay for all the pretentious hoopla they boast about.

There is no room for the humble shopkeeper anymore. The spirit in which

these organisations were once created has long since faded away.

We are passionate, creative individuals with personalities that make us unique, unlike some who are now unengaged office-based workers who have no interest in what they are doing or selling.

No more shall we stand for this rubbish – it’s time for a new body.

Got a gripe you’d like to share with the industry?

Contact jburke@nbmedia.com

SYNAXON MEMBER PROFILE

BuyITwise Jeremy Hutchins from B2B e-commerce store buyITwise talks about balancing multiple brands, developing its managed services offering and the challenges of growing too fast…

What sets your company apart from others?

We are a new business start-up with a clear strategy to continue developing two distinct operating brands.

BuyITwise is our B2B e-commerce store, which provides our clients with access to a vast range of products with rapid delivery performance. ManageITwise is our professional services (MSP) brand, which is a fully managed IT package that combines a ‘modular’ suite of services into a single, fixed-fee package. A range of bespoke project-based IT consultancy services are also offered.

What’s been your biggest growth area recently? www.pcr-online.biz

As we are at an embryonic stage in our development, our focus has been heavily placed on the buyITwise brand, as we believe that if we get our B2B e-commerce proposition and associated tactical marketing approach right, this will serve as a natural lead generation tool for our manageITwise service propositions.

Therefore, this has been our biggest growth area to date.

The response that we have had from prospects has been overwhelming.

What are the issues you face with today’s market?

Being honest, our biggest challenge is not with the market, it’s with us. We see that our biggest challenge

“The relationship with Synaxon is fundamental to the success of our buyITwise brand.”

Jeremy Hutchins, buyITwise

will be managing our growth.

In our short life, we already have so many growth opportunities at our fingertips. The challenge for us is to remain diligent and focused by selecting the smart opportunities and by not going after every single opportunity that has been presented to us.

What do you have planned for the future?

Now that the buyITwise B2B e-commerce store is fully operational and actively trading, our primary focus will be on the continued development of our

manageITwise professional services (MSP) brand.

What are the benefits of working with Synaxon?

The relationship with Synaxon is fundamental to the success of our buyITwise brand. It has provided us with access to a range of business critical tools, provided a solid procurement platform for us to source and buy products at competitive rates and has helped us to develop a robust and reliable supply chain.

Contact: enquiries@buyitwise.co.uk www.buyitwise.co.uk

PCR May 2015 | 55

MYSTERY SHOPPER

Tottenham Court Road Known for its plethora of tech shops, Tottenham Court Road seems like the perfect place to find a set of PC speakers. Armed with a budget of £100, let’s see how our Mystery Shopper gets on this month…

6/10 EPSILON COMPUTERS WITH ROWS upon rows of tech accessories, including mice, keyboards, cables and other gadgets, Epsilon resembles a treasure trove of goodies for budding technology enthusiasts.

After having a short browse, a friendly man asked what I was looking for. I told him that I was after a set of PC speakers for my computer at home, to help provide a better sound. After asking if I would like a large set, he pointed at a range of products.

I went on to explain that I had a budget of £100, and 56 | PCR May 2015

that I didn’t want to spend a great deal of money.

The store only had a few speakers on offer from Logitech, however, they were within my price range. He suggested that a Logitech set for under £50 may be suitable as it had a subwoofer. After probing him about how the subwoofer would help, he briefly told me that it would simply provide more bass to my music and a louder sound.

After quite a long pause with no extra information, I decided it was time to leave the store.

“Epsilon Computers resembles a treasure trove of goodies for budding technology enthusiasts.”

5/10 LAPTOP OUTLET A CHEERY chap met me as I entered; making me think this store had promise.

After telling him that I was looking for some PC speakers, he asked one of his fellow employees to help me find a set.

He looked almost disappointed to be interrupted from his current task to assist me, but asked me if I was after something that was wireless as that was all they had available, to which I replied I didn’t mind, as long as it would help to increase the sound for my PC.

My helper at first pointed at a few smaller speakers in a range of colours.

He then showed me a wireless Bluetooth speaker for £30 and also demoed a song for me to hear. After his demonstration he explained to me it could be charged via its USB wire, but when I asked what the bass was like for such a small speaker, it was clear he didn’t really know.

After thanking him for his help, the man responded with a grunt, to which I quickly said my goodbyes and exited the store. www.pcr-online.biz

MYSTERY SHOPPER

STAR STORE

7/10

9/10 CURRYS/PC WORLD

MAPLIN AS ALWAYS, Maplin had an abundance of gadgets on offer, but after wandering around for a few minutes looking for PC speakers to no avail, one of the store’s assistants offered to help.

He recommended that I try the Creative T15 Bluetooth speakers for £59.99, and told me to steer clear of a certain brand of speakers, after telling me the tale about his past experience with his speakers blowing up.

He also explained how there were no major differences between the

Creative T30 Signature speaker set and the Creative T15, which does however, have quite a large price difference of £99.99.

The assistant informed me that one of his friends had tried out both sets, and that the sound difference was pretty similar.

I appreciated his honestly in this instance, as he could have saved me a significant amount of money.

I then made my way out of the store in search for something a little more powerful for my PC.

THE TECH hub was buzzing with life as I entered, and straight away a store assistant offered some help.

I was then directed by another staff member to the speakers, who also asked if I knew what kind of PC speaker I was after. He informed me that a subwoofer would help to provide louder sound and even demoed two sets of speakers featuring a sub for me to hear, including the Sandstorm SBS2112 and the Logitech Z333 2.1, which were both in a price range of £49.99.

After asking whether space was an issue for me, he also offered an alternative with the JBL Wireless Speaker for £79, which could also be connected to a mobile phone via Bluetooth technology.

Another song was demoed on this product, so I was able to hear the sound, and it was clear that this set had good bass even though it was much smaller and didn’t include a subwoofer.

With the store having such a great selection of speakers on offer, and my helper then left me to ponder my decision.

SUMMARY

4/10 BASE ENTERING this independent store, I thought there may be a good selection on offer.

There were rows and rows of tablets and accessories, but there didn’t seem to be much for PCs. Soon enough an assistant approached me, to which I told him that I was after a set of speakers.

Albeit in broken English, he tried his best to help with my query. But after some trouble trying to understand what exactly I was looking for, he asked another staff member if they knew of any speakers. www.pcr-online.biz

6/10 ARGOS

Sadly there was just one model available by Isotech for £15.

I was informed that the set had quite a high volume and that it had a unique LED blue lighting effect.

The assistant then offered to test out the speakers for me to try if I was going to purchase them, but unfortunately couldn’t get his computer to work. After his insistence and asking me again if I would like to buy the set, I informed him that I was just taking a look, and uncomfortably left the store.

WITH NO speakers on show in Argos, I was hoping for some great customer service and the store didn’t disappoint.

A jolly lady greeted me as soon as I entered and offered her assistance straight away. I told her what I was after, and using screens instead of the iconic Argos catalogue to start my search, I typed in PC speakers into the search bar.

I mentioned to my happy helper that I was after something with a subwoofer, and she honestly replied that she wasn’t entirely sure what it was. But, she suggested

that I start my search with the cheapest products first and informed me that some products were for delivery only, since some were out of stock.

She stayed with me while I browsed the selection on offer, which included the likes of Logitech, Philips and Trust GTX, all with a wide price range starting from £6.99.

Although her tech knowledge wasn’t spot on, her customer service definitely made the shopping experience much more enjoyable for me.

Renowned for its range of independent tech shops, I expected to see a variety of speakers from Tottenham Court Road’s indie PC stores.

However, it was quite the opposite, as most only had one or two speakers available with limited brands.

In Base, at one point I felt slightly pressured to buy and uncomfortable with the salesman, resulting in me swiftly leaving the store, while the store assistant in Laptop Outlet seemed rather unenthusiastic with my query.

Comparatively, Argos’ customer service was very impressive at Tottenham Court Road, but the assistant’s lack of knowledge on PC speakers was a hindrance on my shopping experience.

Maplin also impressed this month, thanks to the staff member’s knowledge of the speaker range available.

Lastly, Currys/PC World demonstrated exactly how a tech store should be offering customer service. The helper’s attentive approach kept me informed when it came to different speakers, plus, his advice regarding a subwoofer helped me to make a choice, making them my star store.

PCR May 2015 | 57

WHITE PAPERS | ANALYSIS | REPORTS | CASE STUDIES | BRIEFINGS | TUTORIALS AND MORE

IT CHANNEL EXPERT – YOUR NEW PORTAL FOR RESOURCES AND OPINIONS FROM THE TECH INDUSTRY

The PCR team has launched IT Channel Expert – a website providing you with the latest white papers, case studies, research, reports, opinions and advice from the IT channel.

Whether you’re a services provider looking for advice on how to grow your business, or a tech reseller researching the pros and cons of selling cloud – IT Channel Expert has a comprehensive library of material on subjects ranging from market data and people management to remote working and security.

Need help preparing for that important meeting?

Planning to pitch your brilliant idea to the boss? Ironing out all the finer details of your new business strategy?

IT Channel Expert has got you covered. Registering is free and gives you access to all downloadable content on the site, so you can have your preferred resources to hand whenever you need them.

Head over to www.itchannelexpert.com/register to SIGN UP FREE today

Recommended

The latest tech Editorial Planner

Dedicated monthly product coverage

Users can view content across the 10.8-inch ClearType HD multi-touch display

The trackpad allows users to scroll through documents

The stylus is available in silver, black, blue and red

Three’s the magic number MICROSOFT has launched its thinner, lighter and more affordable alternative to its Surface Pro 3, with the new Surface 3.

It has been dubbed once again as the ‘tablet that can replace your laptop’ but with a few twists.

For example, the threeposition kickstand allows users to alternate the device’s position, for use on a desk or while sitting down. The Surface 3 also comes with a few new accessories,

including the Surface 3 Type cover, which features an improved trackpad, as well as a Surface Pen that is available in silver, black, blue and red.

It features a 10.8-inch ClearType HD multi-touch display with an aspect ratio of 3:2, a quad-core Intel Atom x7 processor and stereo speakers with Dolby Audio enhanced sound, plus there is also a 4G LTE ready version.

The Surface comes equipped with Windows 8.1, and a free upgrade to

“It’s beautiful, versatile, powerful and productive.”

Panos Panay, Microsoft

Windows 10 will also be available when the new software launches, while the one-year subscription will provide users with Microsoft Office 365 Personal, including Word, Outlook and Excel.

Panos Panay, corporate vice president for Microsoft Surface, said: “We’ve taken everything we learned making Surface Pro 3 and poured that innovation into this newest Surface. It’s beautiful, versatile, powerful and productive, and our

customers are going to love what it lets them do.”

Its docking station will also allow users to connect to external monitors, while the USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort and Micro USB charging port make it compatible with the Surface Pro line of adapters.

“Surface 3 brings what customers love about Surface Pro 3 to more people, delivering the premium design and productivity of Surface in a more affordable device,” added Panay.

Contact: Microsoft | www.microsoft.com | Price: Starting at £419

www.pcr-online.biz

PCR May 2015 | 59

RECOMMENDED

Intel’s sleek new SSD INTEL HAS developed its latest SSD for high performance clients and the workstation market.

The 750 series is the company’s first PCIe based consumer SSD, combining four lanes of PCIe 3.0 with NVM Express technology.

The chip maker says that it delivers four times the performance of traditional SATA-based SSDs, while the Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) helps to improve random and sequential performance, by enabling high levels of parallelism and streamlining the storage command set.

By utilising the NVMe interface, the SSD is also able to shed latency AHCI commands, for quicker performance speeds.

It is also available in two versions: as an add-in card, which can be inserted directly

into a motherboard, and a 2.5-inch version, both of which are available in 400GB and 1.2TB capacities.

The 400GB variant has a bandwidth of 900MB/s to 2,200MB/s, while the 1.2TB version has a bandwidth of 1,200MB/s to 2,400MB/s.

The 750 series has random read speeds of up to 440K and random write speeds of up to 290K, plus it has support for Windows 7 64-bit, 8 64-bit, 8.1 64-bit and UEFI 2.3.1 or later.

Intel’s new SSD can also help to offer increased efficiency for engineering workloads, for example Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), as well as Simulation.

It also features a five-year Intel limited warranty, plug-n-

Intel’s 750 series is the company’s first PCIe based consumer SSD

“The 750 series delivers four times the performance of traditional SATAbased SSDs.”

play solution and Ultra High Definition 4K video creation.

Plus, it has a life expectancy of 1.2 million hours Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and has a lifetime endurance of 70GB writes per day.

Contact: Intel | www.intel.com | Price: From $389 (£260)

The titanic Titan from Nvidia The Titan X is powered by Maxwell GPU architecture

“The Titan X from Nvidia shifts data 50 per cent faster than the GTX 980.”

BUILT WITH a 384-bit memory interface, the Titan X from Nvidia shifts data at up to 50 per cent faster than Nvidia’s GTX 980 at 336.5 GB/s.

It comes with a base clock speed of 1,000MHz, a boost clock speed of 1,075MHz and a texture fill rate of 192GT/s.

12GB of standard memory config is also available, along with a memory clock speed of 7.0Gbps.

The Titan X is powered by Nvidia’s Maxwell GPU architecture, which features a range of specs, including a large memory buffer.

The card offers various features including advanced sampling and Super Resolution technology that delivers 4K-quality gaming even on 1080p displays. Voxel Global Illumination also helps to accelerate dynamic lighting effects, while Nvidia’s GameStream allows users to stream GeForce GTX PC gaming experiences to portable devices.

Plus, 3,072 Nvidia Cuda cores are included.

Nvidia’s GPU Boost 2.0 allows gamers to push PC performance to the maximum with precise controls. It monitors work with advanced controls, including GPU temperature target,

overclocking and overvoltage, to help ensure that the GPU works consistently.

Used by most gamers, SLI technology allows users to link up to four Nvidia SLI ready cards together for greater performance, while Nvidia Surround offers players the chance to play games across four monitors at 7560x1080.

PC gaming and tech etailer Overclockers UK commented on its Facebook page: “Titan X is built for the most demanding gaming enthusiast. It combines the latest technologies and extreme performance of the new Nvidia Maxwell architecture in the fastest, most advanced graphics card on the planet.”

Add-in partners for the new card include MSI, Asus, Evga, Palit and Gigabyte.

Contact: VIP Computers | 0871 622 7500 | Price: Varies (Palit: £870, Asus: £949.99)

60 | PCR May 2015

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RECOMMENDED

Pixel perfect GOOGLE has unveiled the latest edition to its line of Chromebooks with the new Pixel. Designed to have ironed out some flaws that were evident in its predecessor, the new version comes with an improved battery life of up to 12 hours.

With a light weight of 1.5kg, the Pixel is also one of the first devices to debut the USB Type-C charger, which can also power future phones and tablets.

The Chromebook will come with either a Core i5, 2.2GHz broadwell-U, with 8GB RAM and a 32GB SSD, which will be priced at around £666, or a Core i7 LS version, with a 2.4GHz Broadwell-U, 16GB RAM and a 64GB SSD for around £870.

Its hi-res display features 239ppi with a 2560x1700 resolution, plus Intel HD

“The Pixel is one of the first devices to debut the USB Type-C charger.”

graphics come embedded within the Chromebook for brighter clarity in sunlight.

A glass touchpad, touchscreen and keyboard all come with the Pixel, which let users tap, pinch and swipe the screen, plus they can also tap the lightbar to see its remaining battery.

Google’s personal assistant can also be used, and by saying “OK Google” with the app menu open, users can search the web.

Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity is available, as well as support for 802.11ac a/b/g/n/ac. It boasts 32GB or 64GB of flash storage, while the 178-degree viewing angle helps to provide a wider view for users.

The Pixel comes equipped with two USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader, a 720p HD wideangle camera and a headphone and mic combo.

Contact: Google | www.google.com | Price: From £666

Apple’s mighty MacBook The MacBook weighs 0.9kg

WEIGHING in at 0.9kg, Apple’s brand new MacBook is the lightest notebook from the tech company.

User’s can browse content on the 12-inch retina display, whilst typing on the new constructed keyboard. Each key and its underlying mechanism has been redesigned to ensure that a full-size keyboard will fit into the smaller form factor, allowing for more precise and responsive typing.

The edge-to-edge glass display comes with a

resolution of 2304x1440 and an aspect ratio of 16:10, while more than three million pixels help to render each letter with clear clarity.

New force sensors have been embedded beneath the MacBook’s Force Touch trackpad. For example, users can now use a force click to enable new capabilities, including looking up a definition of a word or previewing a file just by clicking and continuing to press on the trackpad.

Wireless capabilities are

“Apple has reinvented the notebook with the new MacBook.”

Philip Schiller, Apple

also available with the Mac, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, while the new USB-C port provides speedy USB 3 data transfer and video output, as well as charging.

A fifth-generation Intel Core M processor helps to provide faster performance speeds, which runs on 5w of power. This helps to generate less heat, meaning no fan is required to help keep the MacBook cool.

Philip Schiller, senior VP of worldwide marketing at Apple, said: “Apple has

reinvented the notebook with the new MacBook, and at just two pounds and 13.1mm, it’s the thinnest and lightest Mac ever.”

Other specs include up to nine hours of battery life, 8GB 1,6000MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory, and it boasts up to 256GB or 512GB of flash storage.

OS X is the operating system for the MacBook, while the usual built-in apps such as Safari are included. It is available in either Gold, Space Grey or Silver colours.

Contact: Westcoast | 0118 912 6000 | Price: From £1,049

62 | PCR May 2015

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RECOMMENDED

Get personal with the Revo DESIGNED to become a family’s entertainment centre, the Acer Revo One RL85 is a personal computer that runs on Windows 8.1.

Users can share multimedia contents, stream videos and images and keep it all stored safely thanks to the 4GB DDR3L SDRAM included. A dual-core Intel Celeron 2957U processor is also included with the Revo, with speeds

of up to 1.40GHz. 2TB of hard drive capacity is also available, along with a Serial ATA. Users can connect the device via Ethernet, plus it also has a wireless LAN standard of IEEE 802.11b/g/n.

The Revo One also boasts Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to sync up to other devices including tablets, plus it features a Mini PCI Express Slot, a HDMI port, two USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports.

Contact: Exertis Home (01279 822 822), Exertis IT (01256 707070) Price: £239.99

Samsung’s solid SSDs

SAMSUNG has introduced its new line-up of 3-bit V-NAND based EVO SSDs, including the 850 EVO M.2 and 850 EVO mSATA. Both SSDs feature Samsung’s new 3D V-NAND technology for faster endurance speeds and maximum performance, and are one-tenth of the weight of a traditional SSD. 3D V-NAND stacks 32 cell layers vertically over one another, resulting in higher density and better performance. Both SSDs have been designed for ultrathin PCs and desktops, but with a smaller footprint.

The mSATA is available in 1TB, 500GB, 250GB and 120GB capacities, with read speeds of up to 540 MB/s and write speeds of up to 520 MB/s.

The M.2 comes in 500GB, 250GB and 120GB variants, and offers users read speeds of up to 540 MB/s and write speeds of up to 500MB/s.

Unsoo Kim, senior VP of branded product marketing team at Samsung, said: “By offering the 850 EVO in multiple form factors, Samsung is giving every PC user the opportunity to upgrade their device with the speed, reliability and endurance of V-NAND.”

Contact: Exertis Home (01279 822 822), Exertis IT (01256 707070) M2m Limited (0208 676 6067), Smithie UK (01256 844028) | Price: From £62.29

Editorial Planner

A look at the biggest features coming up in PCR

JUNE 2015

JULY 2015

AUGUST 2015

BUSINESS SPECIAL

DESKTOP SPECIAL

EDUCATION SPECIAL

PCR underlines some of the best ways retailers and resellers can sell to SMBs and the public sector. We also take a look back at PCR Boot Camp with some of the highlights.

PCR finds out whether the desktop is becoming more popular with consumers against the likes of tablets and notebooks. We also focus on repairs, system building and distributor services.

We go back to school with our education issue this month, where PCR takes a look at the market and how retailers and resellers can sell to schools.

Sector Guides: Printers and accessories, scanners and photocopiers, business software.

Sector Guides: Desktops and all-in-ones, PC accessories, components.

Advertising Deadline

Advertising Deadline

Advertising Deadline

May 11th

June 11th

July 16th

www.pcr-online.biz

Sector Guides: Back to school hardware, back to school software, monitors

PCR May 2015 | 63

OUT OF OFFICE

WHO DO THEY THINK THEY’RE KIDDING? APRIL 1ST 2015 was possibly the worst year on record for April Fools’ Day wind-ups in the tech trade.

Gigabyte announced the ‘Overclocking Director’ – which allows the user to talk to a PC to change settings.

What about Acer – could they do better? Perhaps not.

Acer was “delighted” to announce that it has appointed the mysterious Green Cat of Bulgaria as its new brand ambassador.

Overclockers UK went to town with three ‘products’: an

action figure based on overclocking maestro Ian ‘8Pack’ Parry, a £199.99 eightway toaster and a ‘BFG’ GeForce Titan XXX graphics card for £1,666.66.

Tesco announced ‘bouncy aisles’ in its supermarkets, while Argos said it would be the first UK retail business to open a store on Mars (groan).

They could have tried. They could have run a story on pcronline.biz about ex Entatech director Jon Atherton replacing Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear. Bloody amateurs.

IN THE

EXERTIS’ DELL DONATION

HOT SEAT PXS Distribution’s MD Robert Hall reveals his tipples of choice, his biggest phobia and his guilty pleasures – including the trusty guitar – in the hot seat this month How competitive are you (inside and outside of work)?

I am incredibly competitive, whether it’s at work, playing golf, cricket or in other ways. Life is a competition and the more days you win, the better your life is going to be. It has to be balanced with setting realistic goals though.

What are your tipples of choice?

Coffee powers me at work, and then a few beers over the weekend are always good.

Do you have any phobias?

Flying. Despite having to do a fair amount of business travel, I always find myself with sweaty palms during landing.

Would you say you are different inside of work to outside?

I would hope I’m the same easygoing person at work and outside, but only my wife and colleagues can answer this question objectively.

What are your guilty pleasures?

It has to be plugging my guitar or bass in, putting on my headphones and playing along to my favourite music for an hour or two. With a three-year-old daughter, and a second one due soon, this is becoming harder and harder to do, but it is my way of disconnecting from the real world and just clearing my mind completely.

What’s going to be the next big thing in tech?

I am going to say the Apple Watch. I know there are other smart watches out there but when Apple does something, they tend to do things that little bit better than others. Sorry Android fans, just my opinion.

64 | PCR May 2015

WORKING IN conjunction with the Sabre Trust, an education charity, distributor Exertis has donated eight new Dell tablets to the TechAid programme in Ghana.

The Dell Venue 11 7130 tablets have been configured with Windows 8.1, and will help to

improve education standards for children in schools in Ghana.

In addition, the distributor has also previously announced a £50,000 donation to the programme, to aid a school that is being built in Ghana.

FROM THE ARCHIVE PC Retail May 2007 ACER addresses DOA concerns…NEC signs Medium as distributor of its projectors and plasma display solutions… Apple announces that iPod sales have reached the 100 million mark… According to TNS research, almost one in three people have forgotten their password after signing up for an online service… Sony launches the BDP-S1E Blu-ray disk player…

Pinnacle reveals the PCTV DVB-T Flash Stick; the first of a new generation of ‘plug-and-watch’ USBs… Serif celebrates its 20th anniversary…

Plus: XMA celebrates Red Nose Day with Highbank School in Nottingham with a kite-flying fundraising event… XMA’s Ian Grewcock tells PCR that his satellite navigation is his favourite piece of tech…

www.pcr-online.biz

OUT OF OFFICE

JAMES CORDEN AND ARTIST JOIN SAMSUNG

140 CHARACTERS OF NEWS AND VIEWS What the industry’s been tweeting about this month…

Steven Parker, Entatech @steve_entatech Good to catch up with Jon Atherton for some belated farewell drinks this weekend. A jolly evening was had by all. @Jono_Boy

IT’S BEEN a busy few weeks since Samsung first launched its flagship Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphone, and the South Korean firm is taking a different approach using artwork to signify different features of the phone.

Tokyo-based body-artist Hikaru Cho has created a series of images using people, one of which features an eerie

floating head to symbolize the smartphone’s wireless charging capabilities.

The firm has even gone on to draft James Corden in a bid to shake up the Galaxy S6 campaign with a humourous spin. In an online ad, funnyman Corden is seen promoting the phone’s design and fast charging functions, while his bearded

It came from…

alter-ego Wilf Meltson is more interested in image and looks, paired with an abundance of guatemalan coffee.

Throughout the ad, Meltson even pokes fun at Corden’s shaky performance, informing the audience that ‘this guy is terrible’.

What could be next to crop up in Samsung’s campaign for the Galaxy S6?

JAPAN THE ANNOYING thing about tomatoes is that they’re really difficult to eat while you’re out and about jogging, right?

Well, Kagome, a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of tomato-based foods and juices, certainly seems to think so. In fact, employee Shigenori Suzuki felt so strongly about it that he invented the Tomatan: a wearable robot that sits on a jogger’s shoulders and feeds said runner with tomatoes using robotic arms.

What was the inspiration behind the invention? Mr Suzuki explains: “Tomatoes do not have mobility.” Quite.

CROWDFUNDING CORNER TOY BRICKS are usually something associated with children and their vast toy collections, but now adults can get in on the action and decorate their MacBook with the new Brik Case.

The case allows users to adorn their MacBook Pro or MacBook Air with a variety of toy bricks, since it is compatible with all major brick brands, including Lego, Mega Bloks and PixelBlocks.

By clipping the case onto the MacBook, the Brik Case can be removed easily, while the owner’s brick creations are still kept intact.

www.pcr-online.biz

Ebuyer.com @Ebuyer It’s been a cracking week at the techextravaganza that is the 2015 #GadgetShowLive, what were your favourite bits?

Hannspree UK @HannspreeUK See our PC on a Stick in action and get a first look at our new wearable activity Sports Watch @EclipseComputers at #GadgetShowLive now TheLaptopFixers.com @TheLaptopFixers Another great day at the #GSL15 @ GadgetShowLive! Tomorrow will be another busy one!

Gadget Show Live @GadgetShowLive Gadget Show Live 2015 is officially over!

Thank you everyone who joined us, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! #GSL15 Satya Nadella, Microsoft @satyanadella Thank you to our customers, partners & employees who made 40 yrs of @Microsoft possible! Look forward to the next 40 & #empowering everyone Paul Tomlinson, Mirus IT @PT_MirusIT Delighted to find out we’re now a @DattoEMEA Elite Partner - #AmazingProduct! #HamaTime @Hama_UK We are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Irish as Hama UK Country Manager.

Target Components @TargetCompUK Gartner Reveal that there has been a 5.2% fall in PC sales year on year with a 71.7 million unit shipment total Webroot @Webroot Mac users-If you haven’t updated to #OSX 10.10.3, you should. All other versions vulnerable to critical backdoor bug!

PCR May 2015 | 65

THE LAST WORD

What’s the next big thing in IT? Former Entatech director/VP Jon Atherton looks back on the 22 years he spent at the distributor (and five at reseller Jentech beforehand), reflects on how the market has evolved during that time – and what lies ahead in the future…

OVER THE past 27 years I’ve worked in this industry, there’s been a lot of good faces that have left for one reason or another, and a lot of brands, distributors and manufacturers have come and gone.

So it’s a market that’s both retracted and grown, but it’s great to see a lot of old faces – vibrant and energetic people – who are still around today trying to drive their businesses through the channel.

There’s a lot more of a service element that’s come into play and convergence is getting stronger and quicker as the years go on. And obviously IT now is touching all different types of businesses, through

broader and the opportunity for everybody is getting bigger. But it’s also a challenge, because you need focus. Do you go big?

Do you go niche? Those are the questions people need to ask themselves on what they want to do.

Etail is growing and certain retailers like John Lewis are growing rapidly, while other retailers are going backwards.

So what is John Lewis doing differently and better than other people? It’s a fantastic minefield now. 20 years ago you sold your kit to independent IT resellers – that was it. There were no retail stores, you didn’t have etail, you didn’t have wearables, you

“IT dealers should all be focused around connectivity, device, cloud, services and recovery – the whole package.”

Jon Atherton the internet and connectivity and the cloud.

Look at all the different markets that are opening up.

Established companies are now getting involved in IT and connectivity. You’ve got your historical photocopying companies getting involved in managed services and IT, cloud and connectivity. Software is developing and changing to go online, or become licensebased. Supermarkets are now selling IT. With wearables, you’ve got High Street stores and traditional watch companies that are selling wearable digital technology.

Who would have thought that five or ten years ago?

We’re very fortunate that our industry today is starting to get

didn’t have the cloud or internet technology. It’s just changed out of all proportion.

Looking ahead, there are boundless opportunities. It’s about the younger people now, looking at what they do and what their interests are. And a lot of it is based around IT. Look at kids today – they don’t do as much sport, but they’re doing more eSports.

IT dealers should all be focused around connectivity, device, cloud, services and recovery. They have got to offer a service and be able to present the whole package now, whether it be AV, firewall solutions and so on...The hardware solution should be just one part of what they’re offering to their customers.

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66 | PCR May 2015

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CELEBRATING NEW TALENT

The PCR Rising Stars event will be gathering together some of the top young talent in the UK tech channel in one room, celebrating trailblazers from all aspects of the trade with an exclusive networking event and award ceremony Thursday 18th June 2015 | Sway Bar | London | WC2B 5BZ

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